“It’s a movie written in the angle of magic realism’”: Baloji on Omen at London Film Festival 2023

Omen is a debut drama piece written and directed by Congolese music artist Baloji. It explores the notions of witchcraft, heritage and family in a visually striking and bold feature that catches the dark heart of superstition within its narrative too.

When Koffi (Marc Zinga) and his girlfriend Alice (Lucie Debay) who live in Belgium discover they are expecting twins together, they decide to go and visit his native country Congo and reconnect with a family that disowned him as a child believing him to be infiltrated by evil spirits. Determined to make peace with his mother Mama Mujila (Yves-Marina Gnahoua) and his father, he brings in other family members to try and mend the broken bonds but soon discovers the prejudices and accusations of sorcery are still very close to the surface.

The Upcoming had the pleasure of speaking to Baloji about his film, his interest in the subject of witchcraft and where the story takes viewers in terms of the different characters’ journeys. He also spoke about being part of the London Film Festival and what he hopes viewers will take away from watching his feature.

Ezelle Alblas

Omen does not have a UK release date yet.

Read more reviews and interviews from our London Film Festival 2023 coverage here.

For further information about the festival visit the official BFI website here.

Watch the trailer for Omen here: