A scene from the film "Universal Language" is shown in this undated handout photo. "Universal Language," an absurdist dramedy by Winnipeg writer-director Matthew Rankin, has claimed the $15,000 award for best Canadian film at this year's Vancouver International Film Festival. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Telefilm Canada
TORONTO – Canada’s submission for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars, Universal Language, has successfully advanced to the next stage of the competition, officials confirmed Tuesday. The film, an absurdist dramedy directed by Winnipeg's Matthew Rankin, has made it to the shortlist of 15 contenders, with five films ultimately set to be nominated for the prestigious award.
Each year, countries are invited to submit films in which less than half of the dialogue is in English for consideration in this category. Universal Language is a unique cinematic venture where Rankin portrays himself alongside a multilingual cast speaking Persian and French. The film is set in an alternate reality where Winnipeg, Quebec, and Tehran are merged into one vibrant city.
The film has already received notable recognition, winning the Best Canadian Discovery award at the Toronto International Film Festival and being named Best Canadian Film at the Vancouver International Film Festival.
On Tuesday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the shortlists for 10 categories, with the official nominations scheduled for January 17, following another round of voting.
In addition to Universal Language, other Canadian entries are making waves in the race. Secwépemc filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat and Toronto's Emily Kassie have earned a spot in the feature documentary category with Sugarcane, which explores the history of the St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School, a place that forced NoiseCat’s family to attend.
Toronto director Brett Story’s documentary Union, co-directed by Stephen Maing, also continues its Oscar journey. The film covers the grassroots union campaign by workers at an Amazon fulfillment center in Staten Island, New York.
In the animated short film category, A Crab in the Pool, a sibling-directed story by Montreal's Alexandra Myotte and Jean-Sébastien Hamel, is advancing. It’s joined by Maybe Elephants, a heartfelt autobiographical tribute to adolescence by Norwegian-Canadian director Torill Kove, produced by Mikrofilm and the National Film Board of Canada.
The highly anticipated Oscars ceremony will take place on March 2, where the nominees will compete for the prestigious golden statuettes.
