Tanzania Gets First Oscars Awards Entry in 20 Years
-
Loading... - Chloe Atim
- 19 Nov 2024
- 47 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
A Tanzanian film has been shortlisted for an Academy Award, marking the end of a two-decade wait for the country's participation in the prestigious event. The film, titled Vuta N'kuvute, which translates to "hard struggle" in Swahili, has been nominated in the "Best International Film" category at the 95th Academy Awards.
Released in Swahili and featuring a predominantly African cast, Vuta N'kuvute tells the poignant story of a young Indian-Zanzibari woman whose romance flourishes against the backdrop of a political revolt during the final days of British imperial rule. Amil Shivji, the film's co-producer, expressed his excitement on Instagram, stating, "The future of Tanzanian cinema is finally in our hands. A wave of Swahili filmmakers is growing every day with pride, intelligence, and boldness."
In September 2021, Vuta N'kuvute made history by becoming the first Tanzanian feature film to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), further highlighting the film's significance in showcasing Tanzanian storytelling on an international platform.
Tanzania's first appearance at the Academy Awards dates back to 2002 with the film Maangazi: The Ancient One. The recent nomination of Vuta N'kuvute not only represents a milestone for Tanzanian cinema but also signals a resurgence of interest and talent in the country's film industry.
