Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of international cinema! Today, we're diving into the Contenders Film: International, an annual event that showcases some of the most captivating and diverse films from around the globe. But here's where it gets controversial... or rather, historically significant!
The Best International Feature Film category is always a surprise-filled adventure, and this year is no exception. With 86 submissions, we're witnessing a range of firsts. Several debut features, like The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingos from Chile, are making their mark. But the real game-changer? Madagascar and Papua New Guinea are entering the fray for the first time ever! And get this - Iraq's selection, The President's Cake, is poised to make history. It's already won two prestigious awards at Cannes, and if it makes the Oscar shortlist, it'll be a groundbreaking moment for the Middle Eastern country.
Today, 14 submissions will take part in this virtual panel showcase, kicking off at 9 a.m. PT. Sign up and watch the livestream to be a part of this global celebration of cinema!
Many of these films have already made their mark at major film festivals like Sundance, Berlin, Cannes, Venice, Toronto, and San Sebastián. But even if you're not an expert in the intricate world of film accreditation, Deadline has got you covered. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery as we delve into the stories behind these movies and chat with their stars, directors, producers, and screenwriters.
Let's take a closer look at some of these captivating films:
- Poland's Playful Franz: Agnieszka Holland presents a biography of the Czech writer Franz Kafka, whose surreal bureaucratic tales gave birth to the term 'Kafka-esque'.
- Switzerland's Late Shift: Petra Volpe's kinetic study follows an overworked nurse dealing with an overwhelming situation.
- Iraq's President's Cake: Hasan Hadi's drama is set in the 1990s, where a young girl is forced to celebrate Saddam Hussein's birthday.
- Slovakia's Father: Tereza Nvotová's powerful story tells of a parent's accidental mistake, leaving their infant daughter in a hot car.
- Israel's The Sea: Shai Carmeli-Pollak's timely tale follows a young Palestinian boy's journey to the seaside.
- Argentina's Belén: A moving political drama directed by and starring Dolores Fonzi, highlighting a scandal where an innocent woman was imprisoned for murder after a miscarriage.
And that's just the beginning! From Hong Kong's intimate odd-couple story, The Last Dance, to Jordan's generational tale, All That's Left of You, and South Korea's murderously funny satire, No Other Choice, each film offers a unique perspective.
Keep an eye on Deadline.com and our social channels via #DeadlineContenders for updates throughout the day. And don't forget to check back on Monday when we launch the streaming site featuring all the panel videos.
Here's a rundown of today's schedule and panelists:
Contenders Film: International
(order subject to change)
- SONY PICTURES CLASSICS: The President's Cake (Iraq) with Writer/Director Hasan Hadi.
- MUSIC BOX FILMS: Late Shift (Switzerland) featuring Writer/Director Petra Volpe and Actor Leonie Benesch.
- DANAE PRODUCTION: Father (Slovakia) with Writer/Director Tereza Nvotová and Producer Veronika Paštéková.
- KINO LORBER: Little Trouble Girls (Slovenia) by Writer/Director Urška Djukić Lecamus, Actor Jara Sofija Ostan, and Director of Photography Lev Predan Kowarski.
- EMPEROR MOTION PICTURES: The Last Dance (Hong Kong) directed by Anselm Chan.
- MENEMSHA FILMS: The Sea (Israel) with Writer/Director Shai Carmeli-Pollak and Producer Baher Agbariya.
- IT'S ALIVE FILMS: 100 Liters of Gold (Finland) featuring Director/Screenwriter Teemu Nikki, Actor Elina Knihtilä, and Actor Pirjo Lonka.
- AMAZON MGM STUDIOS: Belén (Argentina) starring Writer/Director/Actor Dolores Fonzi and Producer Leticia Cristi.
- COHEN MEDIA GROUP: Franz (Poland) directed by Agnieszka Holland.
- NEON: No Other Choice (South Korea) with Writer/Director/Producer Park Chan-wook.
- ALTERED INNOCENCE: The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo (Chile) directed by Diego Cespedes.
- THE STAR FILM COMPANY: The Heart is a Muscle (South Africa) by Writer/Director/Producer Imran Hamdulay and Actors Keenan Arrison and Melissa de Vries.
- WATERMELON PICTURES and VISIBILITY FILMS: All That's Left of You (Jordan) written, directed, produced, and acted in by Cherien Dabis.
- TRAMP LTD, MEDUSA FILM, INDIGO FILM & O'GROOVE: Familia (Italy) directed by Francesco Costabile and starring Francesco Gheghi and Barbara Ronchi.
Get ready for an unforgettable cinematic experience! And remember, this is just the beginning of the awards season race. Who do you think will make it to the Oscars? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss!
