Rwanda Submits First-Ever Oscar Entry: ‘Ben’Imana’

Rwanda has officially entered the Academy Awards' International Feature Film race for the first time, submitting Marie-Clementine Dusabejambo’s directorial debut, “Ben’Imana,” for consideration at the upcoming 99th Academy Awards. This marks a significant milestone for Rwandan cinema, as it represents the nation's inaugural participation in this prestigious international competition.

“Ben’Imana” has already garnered critical acclaim on the international festival circuit. The film, which offers a narrative perspective from a community of Rwandan women, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival within the esteemed Un Certain Regard section. Its strong reception at Cannes was further solidified by its wins of both the Camera d’Or, awarded to the best first-time feature film director, and the Fipresci prize, which is voted on by international film critics.

The selection of “Ben’Imana” for Rwanda’s first Oscar submission underscores the growing recognition of African cinema on the global stage. The International Feature Film category, formerly known as the Best Foreign Language Film, is open to films produced outside the United States with a predominantly non-English dialogue track. To be eligible, films must have been first released in their country of origin between October 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, and meet specific theatrical release requirements.

Marie-Clementine Dusabejambo, the director behind “Ben’Imana,” has established herself with this feature film after a career that has seen her work on several short films and documentaries. Her previous works have also explored themes relevant to Rwandan society and its people. The narrative of “Ben’Imana” is reported to be deeply rooted in the experiences and perspectives of women within a Rwandan community, aiming to provide an authentic and compelling portrayal of their lives and resilience.

The submission process for the International Feature Film category involves national selection committees in each participating country. These committees are responsible for choosing a single film to represent their nation. The Academy then reviews all submitted films, with a shortlist of ten films being announced before the final five nominees are selected. The 99th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 2, 2025, where the winners, including the International Feature Film, will be announced.