The Biennale College Cinema in Venice has announced the selection of the Kenyan-Nigerian project, “1 Woman 1 Bra”, directed by Vincho Nchogu and produced by Josh Olaoluwa, as the only African project to participate in its 13th edition.
This project marks a significant achievement for the creative duo, whose film will compete among twelve other selected projects at the prestigious festival. The announcement was made during the 81st Venice International Film Festival, with the first phase of the program set to run from October 8 to 17, 2024, in Venice.
“1 Woman 1 Bra” is the first feature film project for both Nchogu and Olaoluwa, making their selection a remarkable milestone in their careers. These talented filmmakers are no strangers to high-level film labs, having previously participated in the Red Sea Lodge and Torino Film Lab, both notable platforms for developing emerging film projects.
Their inclusion in the Biennale College Cinema adds to their growing list of accolades and showcases the dynamic collaboration between Kenya and Nigeria in the film industry.
The Biennale College Cinema is an advanced training program that supports filmmakers from around the world. The 12 selected projects will participate in an intensive 10-day workshop in Venice. Afterward, four of the twelve will receive production funding up to 200,000 Euros and the opportunity to premiere their films at the 82nd Venice Film Festival. This program offers invaluable support to filmmakers, providing them with mentorship and resources to bring their visions to life on an international stage.
Nine of the selected projects come from the Biennale College Cinema – International competition, while the remaining three are from the Biennale College Cinema – Italy competition. These projects represent a wide range of countries and filmmaking talents, showcasing the diversity of the global film landscape. For Nchogu and Olaoluwa, being the only African filmmakers selected is a testament to their unique storytelling and vision.
In addition to “1 Woman 1 Bra,” other selected films include “Agnus Dei” by Italian director Massimiliano Camaiti, “Badland” by Mounir Derbal, and “Becoming Human” by Polen Ly, among others. These projects span various genres and themes, highlighting the innovative and creative talent emerging from different parts of the world. Each selected team consists of a director and a producer, emphasizing the collaborative nature of filmmaking.
For the Biennale College Cinema, this 13th edition promises to be an exciting year of discovery and innovation in film. Projects like “1 Woman 1 Bra” not only bring African stories to the forefront but also demonstrate the importance of international collaboration in the film industry. As Nchogu and Olaoluwa move forward with their project, they stand a chance to secure production funding and showcase their work at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, the Venice Film Festival.
