Kenyan film 'Mvera' selected for Oscars nomination

The Kenyan feature film 'Mvera', helmed by filmmaker Daudi Angaka, has been selected as Kenya's official entry in the International Best Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, slated for March 10, 2024.

'Mvera' tells the story of an indigenous community plagued by widespread poverty owing to corrupt leadership.

The narrative centers around the titular character Mvera, a woman who finds herself ensnared in an organ trafficking ring as she endeavors to alert her community about the deceitful aspirations of a millionaire named Thabiti, who harbors ambitions of becoming Governor.

The cast features prominent actors, including Patrick Owino, Hillary Namanje, Carolyne Rita Mutua, Kibi Salim, Susan Kadide, and Linah Sande, who portray the titular character, Mvera.

"The Kenyan Oscar Selection Committee has selected the Film MVERA by Daudi Anguka as the Kenyan selection under the Best International Feature Film category for the 96th Academy Awards popularly known as the Oscars," the Kenya Film Commission said in a statement on Wednesday.

The film celebrated its premiere on September 9 at the Nyali Cinemax in Mombasa and is currently being screened nationwide.

Kenya's foray into the Best International Feature Film category dates back to 2012, and while several exceptional films have been submitted, such as 'Nairobi Half Life,' 'Kati Kati,' 'Supa Modo,' and 'The Letter,' none have clinched nominations thus far.

International Feature Film nominations are usually determined in two rounds of voting.

"All active and life Academy members will be invited to view the eligible submissions in the category. Those who opt in will be required to see a minimum number of submitted eligible films as defined by the current procedures," reads the Oscars website.

"Members will vote by secret ballot in the order of their preference for not more than fifteen motion pictures. The fifteen motion pictures receiving the highest number of votes shall advance to next round of voting."

All active and life Academy members will then be invited to view the fifteen shortlisted films in the category.

"A member must see all shortlisted films for the ballot to be counted. Members shall vote in the order of their preference for not more than five motion pictures. The five motion pictures receiving the highest number of votes shall become the nominations for final voting for the International Feature Film award," the Oscars website says.

"Final voting for the International Feature Film award shall be restricted to active and life Academy members who have viewed all five nominated films."