“One of the best documentaries of all time”  Telliride Film Festival

Manka reunited with her family

 Sisters in Law (Channel 4 / Vixen films) Feature documentary (2005).

6 year old Manka has run away from home, fleeing her abusive aunt. Sonita has daringly accused her neighbour of rape. Amina has decided to end her brutal marriage by taking her husband to court. Incredibly moving and at times disturbing, the latest film from an award-winning director spectacularly encompasses courage, hope, and the possibility of change. Pictured are (left) State Prosecutor Mme Vera Ngassa and Judge Mme Beatrice Ntuba.

Shot over 3 months in Cameroon during late 2004 on super 16mm. Sound was recorded on separate DAT.
“Sisters” was one of only a few documentaries selected to be shown at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2005, winning the “Prix Art et Essai” and a special mention in the Directors Fortnight. It continued to do well at festivals and screenings throughout the year, got to the last 15 on the Oscar shortlist for best documentary and has now been shown on More4 Channel Four in the UK.

Director: Kim Longinotto


Awards Won

Munich Documentary FF, Special Documentary Prize
Commonwealth Film Festival, Audience Award
Human Rights Nights FF, Italy, Jury Prize
The Tel-Aviv Intl Documentary FF, Best Intl Film
Belfast Film Festival, 1st Maysles Award
Al-Jazeera TV Festival, Silver Award
British Independent Film Awards, Best Doc Nominee
Grierson Award, Best Doc on Contemporary Issue, UK
RAI Film Festival, Oxford, Basil Wright Award
Santa Barbara Film Festival, Social Justice Award
Royal Anthropological Institute FF, Audience Prize
International Doc Film Fest, Amsterdam, Audience Award
Hawaii International Film Festival, Best Documentary
Cannes Film Festival, Special Mention Europa Cinemas
Cannes Film Festival, Prix Art etEssai

Buy on DVD | Guardian interview with Kim | Women Make Movies – Distributor main page | Press material

Judge and State Prosecutor