“`html
France’s National Film Board has announced its five-film shortlist for consideration in the Academy Awards’ international feature category. The selection includes “Minotaur,” directed by Russian filmmaker Andrey Zvyagintsev and winner of the Cannes Film Festival’s top prize, alongside Antonin Baudry’s World War II drama “The Battle of De Gaulle: The Iron Age.” The remaining three contenders are Arthur Harari’s body-swapping thriller “The Unknown,” Marine Atlan’s coming-of-age film “La Gradiva,” and Louis Clichy’s hand-painted animated feature “Iron Boy.”
“Minotaur” carries significant momentum as a critical examination of corruption within contemporary Russia. Zvyagintsev, a celebrated filmmaker now residing in France with asylum status, used his Cannes acceptance remarks to advocate for an end to the war in Ukraine. Mubi secured U.S. distribution rights for the film. “De Gaulle,” produced by Pathé Films, represents the opening installment of director Baudry’s historical saga chronicling Charles de Gaulle’s leadership of the French Resistance, having premiered out of competition at Cannes to strong reviews.
Harari’s “The Unknown” marks his return to directing following “Onoda: 10,000 Nights in the Jungle” and earned Cannes competition selection. The film is being distributed by Neon. Clichy’s “Iron Boy” won the Special Jury Prize at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard and later claimed three awards at the Annecy animation festival. Sony Pictures Classics acquired distribution rights. “La Gradiva,” represented internationally by MK2 Films, won the Critics’ Week Grand Prize and centers on a student excursion to Pompeii.
France’s selection committee will reconvene September 16 to hear presentations from producers and distributors before making their final decision. The deliberation may prove contentious, as some committee members reportedly prefer French-language films by French directors, an issue that sparked debate following last year’s selection.
“`
Originally reported by Variety →
About the Author
