Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

The upcoming film, expected to be released by mid-2026, promises to deliver a powerful narrative focused on a young woman’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment amidst societal expectations and hidden family secrets.

Ntihabose’s previous work, Kinyarwanda, released in 2011, received international acclaim for its powerful portrayal of unity and reconciliation during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The film highlighted acts of humanity, such as Muslims sheltering Christians in mosques and the struggles of those seeking refuge at Hôtel des Mille Collines, demonstrating the power of human connection in the face of tragedy.

The Miss of The Country follows the story of Rose, a courageous young woman who challenges traditional norms by entering a prestigious national beauty pageant. Her pursuit of the crown becomes a catalyst for uncovering long-buried family secrets and reclaiming her identity. As Rose navigates the complexities of her past, she embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

The film boasts a talented cast, including renowned Rwandan actors Willy Ndahiro and Mazimpaka Jones Kennedy. Kanangire Laurene, known for her appearances in popular Rwandan music videos, will also feature prominently.

Casting is being led by Simon Iyarwema, a highly experienced industry professional whose impressive portfolio includes Shooting Dogs, Shake Hands with the Devil, Sometimes in April, Kinyarwanda, Petit Pays, Avenir, The Last King of Scotland, and Afrikanda. Additional cast members are currently being selected.

Celebrated musician Tom Close will contribute to the film’s soundtrack. Filming will take place across diverse and picturesque locations in Rwanda, including Kinigi in Musanze, Huye, and Kigali, showcasing the country’s natural beauty.

Upon completion, The Miss of The Country will be distributed on major international film networks.

Ntihabose’s return to filmmaking follows a six-year hiatus during which he pursued study and gained professional experience in Canada. He studied film and television at Collège André-Grasset and gained valuable industry experience working with Grandé Montréal (formerly Cinepool Canada), further honing his skills in international cinema.

With a compelling narrative and a talented cast and crew, The Miss of The Country promises to be another captivating film from Ishmael Ntihabose, expected to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Held in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 2, the ceremony celebrated the finest in cinema, with several stars and films setting new records in Hollywood history. From emotional speeches to milestone victories, here are the highlights of the 2025 Oscars.

{{History-making wins
}}

{{Paul Tazewell becomes the first black man to win for costume design
}}

American costume designer Paul Tazewell claimed the Oscar for Best Costume Design for his work in Wicked. Previously nominated for West Side Story, Tazewell used his acceptance speech to acknowledge the historical significance of his win: “I am the first Black man to receive the Oscar for costume design, and I am so proud of this.”

He went on to thank the Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who gave him a standing ovation.

{{Zoe Saldaña breaks barriers
}}

Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, making her the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar.

In her heartfelt speech, she paid tribute to her family’s immigrant journey, stating, “I am the proud child of immigrant parents with dreams, dignity, and hardworking hands, and I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. And I know I will not be the last.”

{{Adrien Brody sets a unique record
}}

American actor Adrien Brody secured his second Oscar for Best Actor with his performance in The Brutalist. He is now the first person to win two Best Actor Oscars from just two nominations. Brody’s first win came in 2003 for The Pianist, a role that made him the youngest ever Best Actor winner.

In a fascinating parallel, both roles saw him portraying Holocaust survivors.

{{Sean Baker dominates the night
}}

American filmmaker Sean Baker made Oscars history by becoming the first person to win four Academy Awards in a single year for the same film. His film Anora was the biggest winner of the night, securing Best Picture, Best Actress for Mikey Madison, and Best Film Editing.

Baker himself won Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Director, and Best Picture.

Mikey Madison, 25, shocked the audience by becoming one of the youngest best actress winners in Academy history, over presumed front-runner Demi Moore.

{{Latvia wins its first Oscar
}}

The animated feature Flow made history by becoming the first Latvian film to win an Oscar, triumphing in the Best Animated Feature category. The visually striking, dialogue-free film, which features a cat as its protagonist, also became the first independent film to win in the category.

The win gave Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis his first Academy Award.

{{Brazil clinches its first Oscar
}}

After five previous nominations, Brazil finally won its first Oscar for Best International Feature with I’m Still Here. The film, which tells the story of Eunice Paiva and her family’s struggle during the country’s military dictatorship, has resonated with audiences for its powerful narrative.

The film’s lead, Fernanda Torres, was also nominated for Best Actress, though the award ultimately went to Mikey Madison for Anora.

{{Other notable winners
}}

-* Dune: Part Two dominated the technical categories, securing wins for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound.

-* No Other Land, a powerful documentary shedding light on Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank, won Best Documentary Feature.

-* Kieran Culkin earned the Best Supporting Actor award for his performance in A Real Pain.

-* Wicked took home multiple awards, winning Best Production Design, in addition to Paul Tazewell’s historic win for Best Costume Design.

-* The film Conclave won Best Adapted Screenplay,