Kenyan filmmaker has been handpicked by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences to join the ranks of voting members.
Judy Kibinge, founder of Docubox a Nairobi-based film fund that provides grants and support for African filmmakers, will now join fellow Kenyan Lupita Nyong’o, who joined Hollywood’s most prestigious club after winning an Oscar three years ago.
In an interview with CNN expressed how surprised she was when the learned of the news and described it as “something very special”.
“I think it shows the world is really beginning to question the content they watch. They’re beginning to want films and documentaries and features that reflect the diversity in the world,” she added.
Kibinge was one of the 774 new members invited to join the Academy’s “Class of 2017” as the organization takes steps to recover from the #OscarsSoWhite controversy and diversify its predominantly white, male membership, the CNN reports.
Her invitation to the Academy is a validation of African talent on the world stage.
“There are people enabled to do things by just the beauty of having mobile phones and to create content that travels.
“Younger Africans and Kenyans are this eclectic mix of a new confidence about being African mixed with not feeling like you have to completely reject things of the West. Really realizing, hey we’re on the continent, we’re here to stay and we can create things we can relate to.”
She has written, directed and produced in 10 films in the country including “Something Necessary,” “Project daddy” and “Dangerous Affair.”
Her organization, Docubox does not only support independent documentary filmmakers from Kenya but also those from across the continent.
Kibinge will be one of the Academy judges for the categories of documentary, international features and animation, the results of which we’ll all find out on the much anticipated Oscars night early next year.
