Rwanda's Ben'Imana makes history as first Oscar submission

Rwanda has selected Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo’s post-genocide drama Ben’Imana as its first ever submission to the Best International Feature Film category of the Academy Awards. The submission was made official on Thursday for the 99th Oscars, following the film's Caméra d’Or win for Best First Film at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. Independent media company Alexander has acquired English-speaking rights and will launch the film in UK theaters on February 19, 2027, with a US release set for March 2027.

Ben’Imana marks the launch of the film distribution arm of Alexander, the company founded by producer Cameron Lamb. The September acquisition was the first for its new division. Alexander focuses on distinctive, international storytelling across audio, literature, and film.

Rwanda makes Oscars history with first-ever submission

Ben’Imana is Rwanda’s first submission for the Best International Feature Oscar. This move marks a milestone for African cinema. Rwanda joins Cyprus and El Salvador as countries submitting for the award for the first time this year. It is the 13th African nation to submit in the past decade. The last African country to win the Oscar was South Africa with Gavin Hood's Tsotsi.

Creative team and cast highlight Rwandan talent

The film features a primarily Rwandan crew and shows local talent. It was written by director Dusabejambo in collaboration with Delphine Agut. Isabelle Kabano, acclaimed for her role in Small Country: An African Childhood, stars. Clémentine U. Nyirinkindi and Kesia Kelly Nishimwe make their big-screen debuts. Cinematography is by Mostafa El Kashef, and the original score is by Rwandan singer-songwriter Igor Mabano. The project is a majority co-production between Rwanda and Gabon, with minority participation from France, Norway, and Côte d’Ivoire. It was shot entirely on location in Rwanda.

Plot explores forgiveness in post-genocide Rwanda

Set in 2012, eighteen years after the genocide against the Tutsi, the drama follows Vénéranda. She fosters healing conversations between genocide survivors and families of perpetrators. The plot involves her questioning her ability to practice forgiveness due to a situation with her daughter. A review states the film presents hope but does not shy away from the difficulty of forgiveness. It notes, 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.

Film continues festival run with upcoming premieres

Ben’Imana premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes in May, where it also won the FIPRESCI Prize. It had its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film will have its UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival this month. World sales are handled by Paris-based mk2 films.

Alexander will release Ben’Imana theatrically in the UK on February 19, 2027.