As the Oscars race approaches, the spotlight turns to the official submissions for the Best International Feature Film category, a sub-section reserved for non-English language films. With more announcements still expected, seven Arab countries have already announced their entries for the 97th Academy Awards, each aiming to capture a place on the shortlist that will be revealed in December 2024. The final nominations are set to follow in January 2025, with the awards ceremony taking place in March 2025.
In the meantime, here are the official selections from the countries in our region.
196 Meters – Algeria
Chakeeb Taleb Ben Diab’s debut film 196 Meters represents Algeria at the Oscars this year. The gripping crime drama follows a psychologist’s relentless quest to solve the mysterious kidnapping of a young girl in Algeria. With standout performances from Hichem Mesbah, Mariem Maghan, Shahrazad Krashni, Ali Namousi, and Nabil Asli, the film has earned international acclaim and several awards.
Everybody Loves Toda – Morocco
Premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, Everybody Loves Toda tells the heartfelt story of a woman who moves from the countryside to Casablanca to raise her son while chasing her dream of becoming a singer. The film’s submission to the Oscars is unsurprising, as it is led by the celebrated Moroccan duo Nabil Ayouch and Maryam Touzani, who co-wrote the script. The pair has previously represented Morocco at the Oscars with acclaimed films such as Casablanca Beats (2021), Razzia (2017), and Horses of God (2013).
Baghdad Messi – Iraq
Iraq’s official submission to the 97th Academy Awards is Baghdad Messi, directed by Sahim Omar Kalifa. Based on Kalifa’s 2012 short film, the feature-length version delves into the story of Hamoudi, a young Iraqi boy who dreams of becoming a football player like Lionel Messi, even after losing his leg in a bombing. The film has received international attention and won Best Screenplay at the Casablanca Film Festival.
From Ground Zero – Palestine
This year, Palestine’s entry to the Oscars is From Ground Zero, a powerful and urgent cinematic project that aims to capture the lived realities of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Led by renowned Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi, the film is a collection of 22 short films, each created by a Gazan filmmaker. With Masharawi’s guidance, the project serves as both an artistic and political statement, centering the experiences of the Gazan people and challenging the dehumanizing narratives pushed by mainstream media. Whether or not it wins an Oscar, From Ground Zero has already succeeded in forcing the world to confront the stories it kept on ignoring.
Flight 404 – Egypt
Egypt’s official entry to the Oscars this year is Flight 404, directed by Hani Khalifa and starring Mona Zaki. The film tells the story of Ghada, a woman burdened by guilt from her past, who embarks on a pilgrimage seeking repentance and spiritual healing. With themes of redemption and self-forgiveness, Flight 404 explores the emotional journey of a woman in search of inner peace.
Take My Breath – Tunisia
Following the success of Kaouther Ben Hania’s Four Daughters, Tunisia’s submission for this year continues to push boundaries with Nada Mezni Hfaiedh’s Take My Breath. The film delves into the often unspoken topic of intersex identity through the character of Shams, a 23-year-old seamstress whose life is turned upside down when their intersex identity is revealed. Forced to flee to the city, Shams must navigate the harsh realities of living in a society that refuses to accept them, confronting rejection and isolation at every turn.
My Sweet Land – Jordan
Jordan’s pick is My Sweet Land, a documentary by Sareen Hairabedian. The film follows Vrej, an 11-year-old boy living in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, whose dreams of becoming a dentist are shattered when violence forces his family to flee. Upon returning, they find their home in ruins. With such a poignant narrative, Jordan aims to replicate the success of Naji Abu Nowar’s Theeb, the country’s first Oscar-nominated film in 2015.
