Kenya has selected One Woman, One Bra, the debut feature film by writer and director Vincho Nchogu, as the country’s official submission for the 99th Academy Awards.
Centring on the Maasai community, it was selected by the Kenya Oscars Selection Committee from three submissions.
The committee said One Woman, One Bra met the technical standards, including the requirement that more than 50 percent of content be in a local language.
It said the selection focused on finding a film combining strong storytelling, originality and authentic representation of the Kenyan experience.
The committee praised the film’s originality, authentic performances, pacing and use of Kenyan landscape.
It also highlighted sound design, which incorporates the sounds of cows and cowbells, creating an immersive experience for audiences.
“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,” Kiruhi said.
One Woman, One Bra is a 2025 comedy-drama written and directed by Nchogu.
Set in the village of Sayit, the film follows Star, played by Sarah Karei, a 38-year-old unmarried and orphaned Maasai woman.
The story centres on her struggle to retain her home after community land title deeds are distributed according to kinship ties and male lineage. Because her parentage is unknown, she risks losing her home.
Star later discovers a childhood photograph of herself in The World Book of Nomads and begins searching for her estranged mother.
Her efforts create a conflict in her village and a controversial deal involving a foreign non-governmental promoter.
The film uses satire to examine development narratives and the relationship between local communities and international aid groups.
The film premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival under the Biennale College Cinema programme on August 27, 2025.
It later screened at the Tribeca Festival, Durban International Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival.
It has also received international recognition, winning the Tribeca Audience Award and the BFI Sutherland Award for Best First Feature.
