Canada’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards is the comedy Universal Language, directed by Matthew Rankin. The film follows the story of Negin and Nazgol as they discover a large sum of money frozen in ice while on the streets of Tehran and Winnipeg. Meanwhile, Massoud leads a group of tourists on a bizarre walking tour through the historic sites of Winnipeg. As the characters’ paths intertwine, the film explores themes of time, geography, and identity through a surreal lens.
Casting and Production
The film stars Rojina Esmaeili, Saba Vahedyousefi, Pirouz Nemati, Mani Soleymanlou, and Matthew Rankin himself. Produced by Metafilms, Universal Language is set to be released on September 20, with a North American premiere at TIFF on September 10. Oscilloscope will handle the film’s release in the U.S., while Maison 4:3 will distribute it in Canada. Best Friend Forever has been tasked with handling worldwide sales.
Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada, praised Universal Language as emblematic of Canadian cinema, noting its success both domestically and internationally. With the film’s selection as Canada’s Oscars entry, there is hope that it will continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Matthew Rankin expressed his gratitude for the film’s recognition, highlighting the collaborative effort that went into creating it.
Universal Language is one of nine entries submitted for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. The submission deadline for the category is October 2, with the Academy unveiling shortlists on December 17. The final Oscar nominations will be announced on January 17, 2025, with the ceremony set to take place on March 2. As the film competes on the international stage, there is anticipation surrounding its performance and potential recognition at the prestigious awards ceremony.
Canada’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards, Universal Language, presents a unique and surreal take on storytelling. With a talented cast and crew behind the project, the film has garnered attention both at Cannes and leading up to its release. As the Oscars draw near, all eyes will be on Universal Language to see if it can secure a nomination and potentially bring home a win for Canada’s thriving film industry.
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