The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has announced that the feature film, “The Heart Is A Muscle” has been selected as South Africa’s official entry into the 98th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars) for the category, Best International Feature Film.

The selection follows a rigorous adjudication process conducted by the South African Academy Awards Selection Committee.

The committee convened from 8 to 11 September to review submissions. The final decision was officially made earlier this month.

Written and directed by Imran Hamdulay, “The Heart Is A Muscle” was produced by The Star Film Company’s Adam Thal, P.G.A, Khosie Dali, Brett Michael Innes and Lesley-Ann Brandt.

The film explores bonds between fathers and sons through the lens of inter-generational healing and forgiveness, and draws on experiences specific to the Cape Flats. Judges say it also speaks to the universal search for reconciliation and belonging.

It traces a man struggling to confront inherited memories and, through the slow work of forgiveness, learning how to become the father and husband he longs to be.

Imran Hamdulay, the director and writer of the film, says the film is very close to his heart.

“It’s a shared story born from the voices and experiences of the community around it, and we’re just so thrilled to have it as South Africa’s entry into the Academy Awards.”

The film premiered to critical praise at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), where it received the Panorama Ecumenical Jury Prize, quickly establishing itself as one of the year’s standout global-cinema titles.

It continues to be shown at festivals worldwide, including the 72nd Sydney Film Festival and the upcoming Cairo International Film Festival, among others.