Rwanda Submits 'Ben'Imana' for 99th Oscars, Its First-Ever Entry
Marie-Clementine Dusabejambo's debut feature enters the international feature race after winning the Camera d'Or at Cannes.
Rwanda has submitted Marie-Clementine Dusabejambo's Ben'Imana for consideration at the 99th Academy Awards, marking the country's first-ever entry to the Oscars international feature race, according to Variety.
Ben'Imana is Dusabejambo's debut feature. It premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won both the Camera d'Or and the Fipresci prize.
The film went on to have its North American debut at the Toronto Film Festival, and it is scheduled to screen at the London Film Festival this month.
Ben'Imana stars Isabelle Kabano and introduces Clementine U. Nyirinkindi and Kesia Kelly Nishimwe. MK2 is handling world sales.
The film is set for release in U.K. theaters on Feb. 19, 2027, and in the U.S. in March via Alexander, a newly launched distribution arm founded by producer Cameron Lamb.
A Rwanda-Gabon Co-Production
Ben'Imana is a majority co-production between Rwanda and Gabon, with minority co-production backing from France, Norway and Cote d'Ivoire. It was shot entirely in Rwanda with a primarily Rwandan crew.
Quick answers
When does 'Ben'Imana' release in theaters?
The film opens in U.K. theaters on Feb. 19, 2027, and in the U.S. in March via the distributor Alexander.
What awards has 'Ben'Imana' won?
It won the Camera d'Or and the Fipresci prize at the Cannes Film Festival, where it premiered in the Un Certain Regard section.
Is this Rwanda's first Oscars submission?
Yes. 'Ben'Imana' is Rwanda's first-ever entry to the Academy Awards international feature race.