Cannes Prize Winner ‘Ben’Imana’ Becomes First Best International Feature Oscar Submission for Rwanda

For the first time ever, Rwanda has joined the Best International Feature Oscar race as, on Thursday, the East African country officially submitted director Marie-Clementine Dusabejambo’s “Ben’Imana” to represent it at the 99th Academy Awards. Earlier this year, the film already made history as the first Rwandan film to screen in Official Selection at the Cannes Film Festival. After premiering in the Un Certain Regard section, Dusabejambo’s film would go on to win both the prestigious Caméra d’Or for Best First Feature and the FIPRESCI Prize. Set in 2012, “Ben’Imana” tells the story of Vénéranda, a woman who dedicates her life to helping foster healing conversations between survivors of the genocide against the Tutsi 18 years prior, and the families of those who were responsible for such actions. Soon, a situation with her daughter makes her question whether she can practice the forgiveness she preaches. IndieWire’s review of “Ben’Imana” reads, “While hope on the horizon is presented, this rich, deeply moving drama doesn’t shy away from forgiveness being something that cannot be easily forced, even when the will may be there, however far buried.” The film stars Isabelle Kabano and introduces actors Clémentine U. Nyirinkindi and Kesia Kelly Nishimwe. “Ben’Imana” was also written by Dusabejambo in collaboration with Delphine Agut, shot by cinematographer Mostafa El Kashef, and features an original score by Rwandan singer-songwriter Igor Mabano. In fact, the film was shot entirely on location in Rwanda with a primarily Rwandan crew. “Ben’Imana” marks the launch of the film distribution arm of Alexander, an independent storytelling company founded by film producer Cameron Lamb that served as a destination for distinctive, international storytelling, bringing together the worlds of audio, literature, and now film. It will be released in the United Kingdom on February 19, 2027, and come to U.S. theaters in March 2027. Rwanda joins Cyprus and El Salvador as countries submitting for the Best International Feature Oscar for the first time this year. Rwanda also now becomes part of a recent trend of African countries entering the Oscar race for the first time ever, being the 13th one in the past decade to submit for contention in the category. The last film representing an African country to win the Oscar for Best International Feature was South Africa’s “Tsotsi,” by Gavin Hood.