Movies from the subcontinent have taken a prominent place in the Academy Awards 2023 shortlists. Indian director Pan Nalin’s Chhelo Show (The Last Film Show) and Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq’s Joyland are among the 15 films shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category.
Argentina, 1985 (Argentina)
Based on true events, Santiago Mitre’s Argentina, 1985 tells the story of a team of lawyers who dared to prosecute Argentina’s military dictatorship in the 1980s. They run against time and fight against odds in this battle. The movie stars Ricardo Darín, Peter Lanzani, Alejandra Flechner and Norman Briski.
Corsage (Austria)
Directed by Marie Kreutzer, Corsage is a fictional account of a year in the life of Austrian empress Elisabeth. The monarch, once considered a great beauty, is officially deemed an old woman after she reaches 40. Now Elisabeth must go out of her way to save her public image. Frontlined by Vicky Krieps, the movie also features Colin Morgan and Ivana Urban in key roles.
Close (Belgium)
Directed by Lukas Dhont, Close celebrates the strong bonds of friendship between two 13-year old boys — Leo and Remi. When their friendship is put to test under trying circumstances, Leo turns to Remi’s mother Sophie for guidance. This coming-of-age drama, which highlights friendship and responsibility, stars Lea Drukcer, Eden Dambrine and Emilie Dequenne.
Return to Seoul (Cambodia)
Director Davy Chou’s debut film Return to Seoul revolves around a 25-year-old French woman who arrives in South Korea, the place of her birth, to look for her biological parents. But her search takes a surprising turn, throwing her life into a quandary. Park Ji-Min, Oh Kwang-rok and Guca han star in this movie.
Holy Spider (Denmark)
Ali Abbasi’s Holy Spider is based on the true story of a serial killer who targeted sex workers in Iran. The film revolves around a journalist investigating such murders in the dark underbelly of the Iranian city of Mashhad. The mystery thriller is marked by splendid performances from Mehdi Bajestani, Zar Amir-Ebrahimi and Arash Ashtiani.
Saint Omer (France)
Saint Omer is a legal drama directed by Alice Diop. It is based on a real-life court case where a woman was on trial for leaving her baby on a beach to be swept away by the tide. A young novelist who attends the trial turns the case into a literary masterpiece. The movie features Kayije Kagame, Guslagie Malanda and Valerie Dreville.
All Quiet on the Western Front (Germany)
Edward Berger’s All Quiet on the Western Front is based on Erich Maria Remarque’s famous novel of the same name. It follows the story of Paul Bäumer and his classmates who enlist in the army to serve in the First World War. However, once drafted, the young men come to terms with the human cost of war. This anti-war drama is headlined by Felix Kammerer, Albrecht Schuch and Aaron Hilmer.
Last Film Show (India)
India’s official entry for the Oscars 2023, Last Film Show is director Pan Nalin’s love letter to cinema. The film tells the story of a small-town boy whose life changes when he discovers his love for cinema. It is based on Nalin’s own life and explores the impact of cinema. Bhavin Rabari, Richa Meena and Bhavesh Shrimali feature in the movie.
The Quiet Girl (Ireland)
Colm Bairéad’s Irish drama The Quiet Girl follows a nine-year-old girl who is sent to live with distant relatives for the summer. Living with them changes her outlook towards life. The Quiet Girl, an adaptation of the story Foster written by Claire Keegan, stars Carrie Crowley, Andrew Bennet and Catherine Clinch.
Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths (Mexico)
Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths tells the story of a famous Mexican journalist-cum-documentary filmmaker who has been suffering from an existential crisis. After returning to his native land, the man grapples with his past relationships, memories and his Mexican identity. The movie features Daniel Gimenez Cacho, Griselda Siciliani and Ximena Lamadrid in pivotal roles.
The Blue Caftan (Morocco)
The Blue Caftan by Maryam Touzani explores the intricacies of relationship and tests the bond of togetherness. It showcases how the peaceful life of a tailor and his wife is thrown into turmoil when the couple hire a young apprentice to help them with their business. The movie stars Lubna Azabel, Saleh Bakri and Ayoub Missioui.
Joyland (Pakistan)
Saim Sadiq’s Joyland is Pakistan’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category in Oscars 2023. The film revolves around a family headed by a conservative patriarch. All hell breaks loose when the youngest son of the family is besotted by a transwoman. Ali Junejo, Rasti Farooq and Alina Khan star in this social drama.
EO (Poland)
Jerzy Skolimowski’s Polish drama tells the story of a donkey that wanders around Europe, meeting people on the way. As the donkey roams around, the vision of modern Europe is unfurled through its eyes. Sandra Drzymalska, Isabelle Huppert and Lorenzo Zurzolo play key roles in this movie that gives a nod to the road trip genre.
Decision to Leave (South Korea)
Decision to Leave is a romantic mystery film directed by Park Chan-wook. It follows a detective investigating the death of a man in the mountains. He meets the dead man's mysterious wife and develops feelings for her in the course of the investigation. The movie stars Park Hae-il, Tang Wei and Lee Jung-hyun.
Cairo Conspiracy (Sweden)
Tarik Saleh's Cairo Conspiracy explores the power struggle between Egypt’s political and religious elite from a fresh angle. Adam, the son of a fisherman, enrols at Al-Azhar University in Cairo. But he soon becomes a pawn in a fierce religious and political game. Tawfeek Barhom, Fares Fares and Mohammad Bakri feature in this intense political thriller.
