Dao (2026 film)
| Dao | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Alain Gomis |
| Written by | Alain Gomis |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Mathieu Giombini |
| Edited by |
|
| Music by |
|
Production companies |
|
| Distributed by |
|
Release dates |
|
Running time | 185 minutes |
| Countries |
|
| Languages |
|
Dao is a 2026 drama film written and directed by Alain Gomis. It stars Katy Correa, D’Johé Kouadio, Samir Guesmi, Mike Etienne, Nicolas Gomis and Fara Baco Gomis, and follows explores ritual, memory, and culture between the African immigrants in France and their native country.[1]
The film had its world premiere at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on 14 February 2026, where it was nominated for the Golden Bear.[2] It will be theatrically released in France by Jour2Fête on 29 April.
Premise
Structured between two ceremonies—a wedding in France and a commemorative ritual in Guinea-Bissau—the film traces a cyclical movement through everyday gestures, encounters, and transitions, blending lived reality with ritual and memory.
Cast
- Katy Correa as Béa
- D’Johé Kouadio as Nour
- Samir Guesmi as Slimane
- Mike Etienne as James
- Nicolas Gomis as Pierre
- Fara Baco Gomis as Jean
- Poundo Gomis as Diminga
Production
A France–Senegal–Guinea-Bissau co-production, Dao was written and directed by Alain Gomis and developed from personal experiences, including the director's attendance at his father's funeral ceremony in Guinea-Bissau. Gomis has described the project as his most personal work, emphasizing collective energy and participation during production.[3][4]
Principal photography for Dao began on 2 May 2024 in Guinea-Bissau and concluded in June in the Paris region. Filming took place from 2 to 12 May in Guinea-Bissau and from 15 to 23 June in the Yvelines department in France. The project received support from multiple institutions, including the Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC) through its advance-on-receipts program, the Images de la Francophonie fund, Arte/Cofinova, and several Sofica funds. The film was pre-purchased by Canal+, Ciné+, Canal+ International, and TV5 Monde.[5]
Dao is produced by Sylvie Pialat and Benoît Quainon for Les Films du Worso, and by Christophe Barral and Toufik Ayadi for SRAB Films, with co-production by Senegalese companies Yennenga Productions and Nafi Films, and Telecine Bissau Produções in Guinea-Bissau.[5]
Release
Dao had its world premiere at the main competition of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on 14 February 2026, where it was nominated for the Golden Bear.[2]
French distribution is handled by Jour2Fête, which will release the film theatrically in France on 29 April 2026. International sales are managed by The Party Film Sales.[6]
References
- ^ Keslassy, Elsa (2026-02-11). "Alain Gomis' Berlinale Competition Film 'DAO' Unveils Trailer". Variety. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
- ^ a b "Dao | Berlinale". www.berlinale.de. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
- ^ Keslassy, Elsa (2026-02-14). "'Felicité' Director Alain Gomis on His Berlinale Competition Comeback 'DAO' Set Between France and West Africa". Variety. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
- ^ Szalai, Georg (2026-02-13). "'Dao' Director Alain Gomis on One Wedding and a Funeral, Fact and Fiction Blurring in His Berlin Film". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
- ^ a b "EXCLUSIVE: Alain Gomis completes filming on Dao". Cineuropa - the best of european cinema. 2023-06-22. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
- ^ "The Party Film Sales to sell Golden Bear contender Dao - Country Focus: France". Cineuropa - the best of european cinema. 2026-02-09. Retrieved 2026-02-14.