Rwanda Picks Ben'Imana as First Oscar Entry; Alexander Sets 2027 Dates
Ben'Imana becomes Rwanda's first-ever Best International Feature Film submission, with UK release on February 19, 2027 and a US rollout from March.
Rwanda has selected Ben'Imana as its first-ever submission to the Academy Awards' Best International Feature Film category. Distributor Alexander announced the selection and confirmed it will release the film theatrically in the UK on February 19, 2027, with a US release from March 2027, according to Deadline.
World sales for Ben'Imana are handled by Paris-based mk2 films. The film stars Isabelle Kabano and introduces Clémentine U. Nyirinkindi and Kesia Kelly Nishimwe. It is written by director Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo with Delphine Agut.
Festival run and distribution
In May 2026, Ben'Imana premiered in Un Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Caméra d'Or for Best First Film and the FIPRESCI Prize. In September, Alexander acquired English-speaking rights to the film as the first acquisition of its new distribution division. It went on to make its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and is set to make its UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival this month.
Kabano previously won acclaim for her performance in the 2021 feature Small Country: An African Childhood.
Quick answers
When is Ben'Imana released in the UK and US?
Alexander will release Ben'Imana theatrically in the UK on February 19, 2027, and in the US from March 2027.
What is Ben'Imana's Oscar submission?
Rwanda selected Ben'Imana as its first-ever entry in the Academy Awards' Best International Feature Film category.
Who stars in Ben'Imana?
The film stars Isabelle Kabano and introduces Clémentine U. Nyirinkindi and Kesia Kelly Nishimwe.