Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo’s feature film Ben’Imana has been selected as Rwanda’s first-ever official submission for the Academy Awards, following its success at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.
The film will represent Rwanda in the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards, marking a milestone for the country’s film industry. Its selection follows a Cannes premiere in the festival’s Un Certain Regard section, where it won the Caméra d’Or for best first feature and the FIPRESCI Prize from the International Federation of Film Critics.
The Cannes screening was the first time a Rwandan film had featured in the festival’s official selection, according to industry publication.
Set in Rwanda in 2012, 18 years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Ben’Imana explores the challenges of justice, reconciliation and forgiveness in communities where survivors continue to live alongside perpetrators and their families.
The story centres on Veneranda, a genocide survivor who believes in the importance of community tribunals and organises discussions between survivors and the families of perpetrators. Her convictions are tested when she learns of her daughter’s unexpected pregnancy, forcing her to confront contradictions in her own beliefs and painful aspects of her past.
The film stars Clémentine U. Nyirinkindi, Isabelle Kabano and Kesia Kelly Nishimwe. It is Dusabejambo’s feature-film debut.
After its Cannes premiere, Ben’Imana had its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. It is also scheduled to screen at the BFI London Film Festival in October.
The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in the United Kingdom on Feb. 19, 2027, through independent media company Alexander, while international sales are handled by mk2 Films.
Rwanda’s selection makes Ben’Imana the country’s first official entry in the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film category. Submission does not guarantee a nomination; the film must progress through the Academy’s selection process to reach the final nominees.
