South Africa has selected The Heart Is a Muscle, directed by Imran Hamdulay, as its official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards.

The film explores themes of forgiveness and intergenerational healing through the story of a Cape Flats man confronting inherited trauma in order to become a better father and husband. Hamdulay’s debut premiered at this year’s Berlin Film Festival, where it won the Ecumenical Jury Prize.

The film received funding from a number of sources, including the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sports, Art, and Culture.

The acting CEO of the NFVF, Onke Dumeko, said: “The selection of The Heart Is A Muscle not only represents the incredible storytelling and creative excellence of South African filmmakers, but also highlights our nation’s ability to produce cinema that resonates globally. Despite the heartfelt story’s resonance across racial groups and geographic borders, it is depicted in a specific South African cultural setting that is not often represented which enables a great opportunity for our industry. The performances are fantastic and the film reminds one about the power of cinema to move the hearts and minds of audiences. The film’s selection by the committee and submission through this process underscores the NFVF’s ongoing commitment to nurturing and promoting South African talent internationally.”

Hamdulay added: “The film is very close to my 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 Heart Is a Muscle follows in the footsteps of South African Oscar entries such as Tsotsi (2005) and Yesterday (2004), marking another proud moment for the country’s growing film industry.

Watch the trailer here.