The film NAWI is Kenya’s nomination for the 97th Oscars Academy Awards, for best International Feature Film.
Nawi has been chosen for its powerful narrative, outstanding performances, and the unique perspective it brings to the global cinema landscape. The film represents the incredible growth and potential of Kenya’s film industry.
‘We are proud to present a story that not only entertains but also provokes thought and conversation about issues that affect us all’ Noted the Kenya Oscars Selection Committee.
NAWI is based on the winning story of a nationwide writing contest that portrays the life of a determined girl growing up in rural Kenya. It explores the life of a girl in Turkana, who navigates the conflict between tradition and the right to choose her future. With unseen images and compelling narrative, this film delves into themes of hope, sacrifice and the relentless pursuit of dreams. NAWI has already garnered critical acclaim, having premiered recently and is currently screening in cinemas.
The Best International Feature Film category, formerly known as Best Foreign Language Film, is awarded annually to a feature-length film produced outside the United States with predominantly non-English dialogue.
The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on 2nd March 2025 and the nominations will be announced on 17th January 2025.
The Kenya Film Commission is mandated to market, develop and promote a vibrant film industry globally. In line with its mandate, the Commission has been officially recognized by the Academy of Motion pictures, Arts and Sciences (The Oscars) to set up an Oscars Selection Committee from the industry associations and guilds to make submissions for the Best International Feature Film Category Awards on behalf of the Kenya film industry.
This year, the Kenya Oscars Selection Committee as approved by the Academy of Motion pictures, Arts and Sciences (The Oscars) include;
- Eddah Kiruhi Kenya Oscars Selection Committee Chairperson (KFTPA)
- Mose Nyangau Kenya Oscars Selection Committee Secretary (AFPEIK)
- Japheth Mandela Association of Animation Artists of Kenya
- Wanjiru Kairu Kenya Scriptwriters Guild
- Phibbian Muthama Writers Guild, Kenya
- Peter King Mwania Kenya Actors Guild
- Ginger Wilson Producers Guild
- Tosh Gitonga Producers Guild
The Kenya Oscars Selection Committee, led by Ms. Eddah Kiruhi put out a call for Kenyan Filmmakers to submit their films for consideration in the Best International Feature Film category for the 97th Academy Awards (Oscars). The Committee received four entries, i.e. Nawi, Searching for Amani, Otis Janam and Wamaitha. Six selection committee members in the absence of Mr. Tosh Gitonga and Ms. Wanjiru Kairu reviewed the submissions this year, all showcasing the depth and diversity of Kenya’s filmmaking talent on 9th September 2024 at the Anga Cinema, Diamond Plaza.
Going by the submissions this year the Kenya Oscars selection Committee recognises that the Kenya Film industry is growing leaps and bounds. There is a general improvement in the story telling and acting. Overall production values and quality also sees a bump in the right direction, specifically it is a huge upwards improvement in all categories of Film Production.
Kenya Film Commission together with the Oscars Selection Committee Kenya is keen to see more entries in the running to represent the country at the Academy Awards whose specifications are available on the Kenya Film Commission Website.
For more information Contact;
Kenya Oscars Selection Committee Chair
