Kenyan filmmaker joins ranks of Oscar voters

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By CGTN's Sam Kisambe

Kenyan filmmaker Judy Kibinge has been handpicked by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences to join the ranks of voting members.

Kibinge is the founder of Docubox, a Nairobi-based film fund that provides grants and support for African filmmakers.

She 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.

In an interview with CNN, she expressed how surprised she was when hearing 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," she said. "They’re beginning to want films and documentaries and features that reflect the diversity in the world."

Kibinge will now join fellow Kenyan Lupita Nyong'o, who joined the Academy after winning an Oscar three years ago.

"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," Kibinge said. "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 10 films in Kenya including "Something Necessary," "Project daddy" and "Dangerous Affair."

The poster of "Something Necessary" byJudy Kibinge /Photo from IMDb

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 at the Oscars next year.

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