EXCLUSIVE: The Democratic Republic of Congo has selected historical thriller Rumba Royale as its entry for the Best International Feature Film category of the 99th Academy Awards. It’s a historic milestone for Congolese cinema in that the film is the second ever film submitted by the country for the category following its first submission in 1997 with Macadam Tribu.

Directed by Yohane Dean Lengol and Hamed Mobasser, Rumba Royale is set in 1959 Leopoldville, the former capital of Belgian Congo (which is now called Kinshasa), in the final months of Belgian colonial rule. It was a time when the pulsating rhythms of rumba set nightlife alight. The story takes place around the Club Rumba Royale, where white Europeans and Congolese citizens rub shoulders, and where the captivating melodies of rumba merge with aspirations and fiery debates of independence.

The story follows photographer Daniel, played by African rumba star Fally Ipupa, as political change, personal ambition and tragedy reshape the world around him.

Produced and filmed in Kinshasa, the project brought together Congolese actors, technicians, craftspeople, musicians and emerging film professionals in an environment where the local industry continues to develop despite limited infrastructure, production resources and financing opportunities.

The project is the brainchild of writers Kevin Dwyer and Mobasser, the latter of whom is a Belgian diplomat based in Washington D.C. who also co-directs the title.

“Rumba Royale demonstrates the extraordinary stories that can emerge when local talent is given the opportunity to create at scale,” said the filmmakers. “This selection is a celebration of Congolese creativity, resilience and ambition. We hope it helps shine a light not only on this film, but on the growing community of filmmakers across the region whose work deserves greater international attention and support.”

Skydance has named its top executives across content licensing, advertising and distribution.

David Decker will become President, Content Sales, Jay Askinasi has been named Chief Revenue Officer, Advertising and Ray Hopkins has been appointed President, Distribution.

The trio will report to JB Perrette, Co-Chair & Chief Business Officer, Skydance TV and Skydance DTC.

Decker’s appointment is significant as the company heads into Mipcom. He was previously named President, Content Sales for Warner Bros. Discovery in 2023 and will oversee sales of the Paramount and WBD television library to international broadcasters, streamers and third-party platforms in the U.S.

It’s not clear what this move means for Kevin MacLellan, who was President, Global Content Distribution & International at Paramount or Don McGregor, who was the company’s global licensing chief.

Askinasi was previously Chief Revenue Officer at Paramount, having joined last year from Roku. Hopkins was previously President of U.S. Networks Distribution at Paramount since 2019, having joined CBS in 2013.

“Bringing together the incomparable portfolios of Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery creates an extraordinary combination of iconic brands, world-class storytelling, deep creative relationships and talented teams around the globe which offers tremendous opportunities for our commercial partners,” said Perrette. “By combining our strengths and uniting our teams, we will build on the incredible legacies of both companies to serve audiences and partners in new and more innovative ways and shape an even more ambitious future. Jay, David and Ray are hugely talented and respected leaders with deep experience, strong industry relationships and a shared commitment to our partners and our people. There is tremendous opportunity ahead of us, and I look forward to working closely with them as we build the next generation media and entertainment organization.”