The movie A universal language (Universal Language) has been chosen to represent Canada in the race for the 2025 Oscar for Best International Feature Film, Telefilm Canada announced Tuesday. The second feature film by Montreal director Matthew Rankin won the Audience Award at the Cannes Film Festival’s Quinzaine des Cinéastes in May.
Filmed mainly in Farsi and French, A universal language tells the story of Matthew, a civil servant who returns to his native Winnipeg, which could be compared to Tehran, the capital of Iran. Intended to be a film honoring Iranian cinema, A universal language is also inspired by the director’s life. Matthew Rankin, who grew up in Winnipeg and then lived in Montreal and was himself a civil servant, plays the role of Matthew in his film.
All smiles, Matthew Rankin says he was “jubilant” when he heard the news that his film would represent Canada at a virtual press conference. “It was unlikely that we would be selected,” says the man who admits he had no expectations for his feature film’s selection.
“It’s a film that’s looking for a connection. And to be able to connect on this scale is incredible,” he says.
The film’s producer, Sylvain Corbeil, also “very, very happy” with the committee’s selection, is confident that the film is “in a good position to go far in the campaign.” Citing the feature film’s “very solid” run at various festivals and the good reviews, it is above all the collective aspect of the film’s creation that gives him confidence. “We made this film collectively from the very beginning and it was a huge human joy to be part of this project and it is on this energy that we will continue to promote the film, hoping that it shines as much as possible internationally.”
The film is targeting a global release next January, but will have a one-week theatrical run starting September 20, in order to be eligible for the Oscars ceremony on March 2.
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