As the 97th Academy Awards season approaches, a fresh bunch of international cinema is making waves with stunning films vying for the coveted Best International Feature Film nomination. From thought-provoking dramas to immersive storytelling, here’s a look at some standout official submissions from around the world.
1. Julie Keeps Quiet (Belgium)
Directed by: Leonardo Van Dijl
A gripping drama set in the high-pressure world of an elite tennis academy, Julie Keeps Quiet follows Julie, a rising star who faces a moral dilemma when her coach is suspended under investigation. The film delves into themes of silence, power, and the hidden tensions within elite sports culture.
Language: Dutch, French
Run Time: 100 mins
2. Memories of a Burning Body (Costa Rica)
Directed by: Antonella Sudasassi Furniss
A bold narrative exploring the lives of three women from a repressive era, Memories of a Burning Body interweaves past and present as a 65-year-old woman revisits a lifetime of hidden desires and buried memories. This kaleidoscopic film challenges societal norms surrounding womanhood and sexuality.
Language: Spanish
Run Time: 90 mins
Directed by: Lajos Koltai
Set in 1847 Vienna, Semmelweis tells the true story of Dr. Ignác Semmelweis, the pioneering physician who risked his career to uncover the cause of a deadly epidemic in a maternity ward. A historical drama full of tension and scientific discovery.
Language: Hungarian
Run Time: 124 mins
Directed by: Usman Riaz
A beautifully animated film that tells the story of Vincent, a young man working at a glass workshop with his father, Tomas. When war looms, their peaceful lives are upended, and they find themselves entangled with new people whose presence challenges their lives in unexpected ways.
Run Time: 98 mins
5. From Ground Zero (Palestine)
Directed by: Rashid Masharawi
A poignant, real-life documentary about the resilience of Palestinian filmmakers during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. From Ground Zero captures the personal struggles and unyielding spirit of artists working under the shadow of war.
Language: Arabic
Run Time: 112 mins
Directed by: Damian Kocur
This haunting drama follows a Ukrainian family trapped on a Spanish island after Russia invades Ukraine, forcing tourists to become refugees overnight. The family’s struggle to adapt to their new reality offers a powerful commentary on displacement and survival.
Languages: Ukrainian, English
Run Time: 102 mins
7. Three Kilometres to the End of the World (Romania)
Directed by: Emanuel Pârvu
A tense and evocative film about Adi, a 17-year-old boy whose life is thrown into turmoil after a brutal street attack. As his village begins to unravel, Adi must navigate the fractured relationships with his parents and the quiet tension of his once-peaceful community.
Language: Romanian
Run Time: 105 mins
Directed by: Isaki Lacuesta & Pol Rodríguez
Set against the backdrop of a tumultuous rock band’s final recording, Saturn Return captures the chaos of fame, love, and personal demons. As the band members face betrayal, addiction, and label pressures, their creation becomes a defining album of the 1990s.
Language: Spanish
Run Time: 110 mins
These films are just a few of the stories vying for recognition at this year’s Academy Awards, showcasing a wealth of talent and artistry from across the globe.
