Nina Roza, the sophomore scripted feature film from Quebec filmmaker Geneviève Dulude-De Celles, will represent Canada in the nomination process for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards next spring.
A co-production between Canada, Italy, Bulgaria and Belgium, the film follows a major art collector who returns to his home country of Bulgaria, 30 years after leaving, confronting the ghosts of his past. It stars Galin Stoev, Sofia Stanina, Ekaterina Stanina, Michelle Tzontchev, Christian Bégin and Chiara Caselli.
Dulude-De Celles also wrote the film, which was produced by Sarah Mannering and Fanny Drew (Canada), Lorenzo Fiuzzi and Bardo Tarantelli (Italy), Lubomira Piperova and Nikolay Mutafchiev (Bulgaria), as well as Benoît Hansez and Etienne Hansez (Belgium). Alexandre Nour Desjardins served as cinematographer, with editing by Damien Keyeux, production design by Laura Nhem, and costume design by Maya Gili.
Nina Roza had its world premiere in the official Competition category at the 76th Berlinale, where Dulude-De Celles won the Silver Bear for Best Screenplay. It’s since screened at numerous festivals around the world including the Sofia International Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award.
“Today’s announcement marks a defining moment for the entire filmmaking team,” said Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada. “Being selected to represent Canada is a prestigious distinction that speaks to the excellence of this work. The journey ahead is as exceptional as it is demanding, as some of the year’s most acclaimed films enter the race from around the world. It is precisely in moments like these that we have the opportunity to showcase the talent and creativity of our industry on the global stage. We are proud to see this film represent Canada in the race for the Academy Awards and wish Geneviève Dulude-De Celles, Fanny Drew, Sarah Mannering and the entire filmmaking team the greatest success.”
“I am both delighted and humbled by this honour, which is shared by the entire film family, beginning with those in Quebec and Canada, as well as in Bulgaria, Italy and Belgium,” added Dulude-De Celles. “This Colonelle Films production was born from a partnership among these four countries and from the generosity of a dedicated and talented team. I am deeply moved to know that Mihail’s story will be heard beyond our borders. We set out to create a nuanced film that leaves room for poetry and reflection in exploring the long-term impact of migration, legacy and identity. I hope the film’s journey, especially in the current context, will continue to foster discussions around these important and sensitive issues.”
Throughout the history of the Oscars, eight Canadian films have received official nominations in the Best International Feature Film category (formerly Best Foreign Language Film), most recently War Witch by Kim Nguyen in 2013; Monsieur Lazhar by Philippe Falardeau and In Darkness by Agnieszka Holland in 2012; Incendies by Denis Villeneuve in 2011; and Water by Deepa Mehta in 2007. Denys Arcand’s The Barbarian Invasions in 2004 is the only Canadian film to have won the Academy Award in the category.
Telefilm coordinates the annual pan-Canadian selection committee responsible for choosing the Canadian film that will compete for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards. The committee is composed of filmmakers and industry professionals representing various organizations and professional guilds. A total of 17 films were submitted for consideration this year.
The Academy will announce the shortlist of films advancing to the next stage on Dec. 15.
