The Academy Awards are one of the most coveted in the world. Films and creators from around the globe get recognised and appreciated on the auspicious night.
Best International Feature Film
Pakistan has submitted movies over the years for the ‘Best International Feature Film’ category but has never been nominated. By definition, an international film is defined as a feature-length motion picture, with a duration of over 40 minutes, created outside the United States and with predominantly non-English dialogues (over 50%). The category also permits animated and documentary feature films.
Previous Submissions And Wins
The country’s previous submissions were ‘Zinda Bhaag’ in 2013, ‘Dukhtar’ in 2014, ‘MOOR’ in 2015, ‘Mah-e-Mir’ in 2016, ‘Saawan’ in 2017, ‘Cake’ in 2018, ‘Lal Kabootar’ in 2019 and ‘Zindagi Tamasha’ in 2020.
In 2012, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy became the first Pakistani to win an Oscar. ‘Saving Face’ bagged her the ‘Best Short Subject Documentary’. She doubled this achievement in 2016 in the same category for ‘A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness’.
Submission For 2021
This year, The Pakistani Academy Selection Committee has invited filmmakers in Pakistan to submit films for the ‘Best International Feature Film’ category at the 94th Academy Awards. The deadline is September 20. This will be the 9th consecutive year the country will submit a film for the category.
The Oscar committee for 2021 includes Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (filmmaker), Humayun Saeed (actor, director and producer), Javed Sheikh (actor, producer and director), Samina Ahmad (actor, producer and director), Sania Saeed (actor), Bee Gul (screenwriter and director), Rafay Mahmood (film critic), Mo Azmi (cinematographer) Ali Azmat (musician) and Omar Shahid Hamid (author).
There will be one film chosen for Pakistan’s official submission for the ‘Best International Feature Film’ award. Stay tuned to Galaxy Lollywood for further details.
