Rushlake Media, the Nairobi-Cologne-based sales outfit, has acquired international distribution rights to “The Dog,” a Kenyan-Swedish crime thriller directed by Swedish-Ugandan filmmaker Baker Karim. The deal was finalized during the European Film Market (EFM) 2025, which ran alongside the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), February 13 to 23, 2025.
Set in Mombasa, Kenya, “The Dog” follows MZ (Alexander Karim), a small-time drug dealer assigned to chauffeur Kadzo, a young escort, under strict orders not to get involved. When he defies those orders, he is drawn into a violent spiral of obsession and betrayal.
The film stars Alexander Karim (“Tyrant,” “The Swarm,” “Gladiator 2”) alongside breakout Kenyan talent Caroline Muthoni, veteran actors Caroline Midimo and Robert Agengo, and was co-written by Baker Karim, Victor Gatonye (“40 Sticks”), and George Mungai.
Produced by Bad Flamingo Studios (Sweden) in collaboration with Zamaradi Productions (Kenya), “The Dog” delivers a raw, atmospheric take on masculinity, power, and the cost of escape. Filmed entirely on location in Mombasa, it captures the city’s chaotic underworld with an unfiltered, hard-boiled visual style.
After premiering at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) 2024 in Lagos, Nigeria, where Alexander Karim won Best Actor, “The Dog” has screened at Göteborg Film Festival (January 2025) in Sweden and Pan African Film Festival (February 2025) in Los Angeles, USA. The film is now set for an upcoming screening at Cinequest Film Festival (March 2025) in San Jose, California.
Rushlake Media, known for distributing African films to global audiences, is leading a multi-phase international rollout for “The Dog.” Following its festival run, the film is expected to reach theaters in Kenya and Sweden, with additional regional releases planned in select European and North American territories. A broad streaming release is planned for the latter half of 2025. Details to follow.
“We are thrilled to bring Baker Karim’s electrifying vision to international audiences,” said Philipp Hoffmann, Founder and CEO of Rushlake Media. “‘The Dog’ is a testament to the power of African storytelling, blending gripping crime elements with deeply human themes. We believe this film will connect strongly with global viewers.”
Olivier Guerpillon, producer at Bad Flamingo Studios, added, “We set out to create a thriller that could engage both African and international audiences, and Rushlake is the perfect partner to bring this unique film to the world. We are extremely happy to start this collaboration!”
Watch the trailer for Karim’s “The Dog”: