Kenya has selected One Woman, One Bra, a film centred on the Maasai community, as the country’s official submission for the 99th Academy Awards.
The Kenya Oscars Selection Committee announced the film’s selection after reviewing three submissions that were considered for the opportunity to represent the country at the prestigious international film awards.
The committee said the selected film met the required technical standards, including the requirement that more than 50 per cent of its content be in a local language.
The selection committee said it was looking for a film that combined strong storytelling with originality and authentic representation of the Kenyan experience.
After deliberations, the committee settled on One Woman, One Bra, citing its portrayal of Maasai life and its strong artistic and technical qualities.
The committee praised the film’s originality, authentic performances, pacing and use of the Kenyan landscape.
It also highlighted the film’s sound design, which incorporates the sounds of cows and cowbells to create an immersive experience for viewers.
The committee further commended the film’s costumes for reflecting Maasai cultural heritage and its use of scenes that contribute meaningfully to the progression of the story.
“We are thrilled to put forward ‘One Woman, One Bra’ to the Academy,” said Eddah Kiruhi, chairperson of the Kenya Oscars Selection Committee.
“This film is a testament to the power of authentic storytelling, originating from the heart of the Maasai community. Its originality, the raw authenticity of its performances, its captivating visual and sonic elements, and its purposeful narrative make it a strong contender that truly embodies the vibrant creativity and compelling narratives emerging from Kenya,” Kiruhi said.
She added that the committee believes the film has the potential to connect with Academy voters and international audiences.
The committee also thanked the producers who submitted their films for consideration, saying their participation contributes to the growth of Kenya’s film industry.
It encouraged more Kenyan filmmakers to submit their work in future selections, noting that the country has diverse stories that can compete on the international stage.
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