The 97th Academy Awards is underway, and with the awards season comes the awareness of non-Hollywood productions aiming to take the spotlight on the global stage. The Best International Feature Film category is the best way to make an impression for local and regional movies from outside of Hollywood, and among these hopefuls are Southeast films looking to earn their spot among the prestigious nominees.
In this article, we dive into the different Southeast Asian submissions for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards.
“Meeting With Pol Pot” (Cambodia)
Directed by Rithy Panh, Meeting with Polpot is an adaptation of When the War Was Over, a non-fiction book by journalist Elizabeth Becker chronicling her trip to Democratic Kampuchea (now Cambodia) and interview with Pol Pot. The film blends documentary and fiction, exploring Cambodia during the ‘70s at the height of Pol Pot’s dictatorship, as it follows the collective memory of people under the regime.
The film premiered in the 77th Cannes Film Festival in May 2024 and was released in Cambodia in August 2024 to critical acclaim. It’s historical narration has been critically praised, as it spreads awareness about the reality of genocide and its effects on a country for multiple generations.
“Women from Rote Island” (Indonesia)
This Indonesian film explores how gender issues become prevalent from tradition, showing the struggles of Rote Island’s communities and the women who live there. The emphasis on remote communities made this film worth a watch, as it emphasized the variety of cultural and social dynamics present outside of Indonesia’s cultural centers.
Women from Rote Island had its world premiere at the 28th Busan International Film Festival last year and won a jury prize at the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF). The Indonesia Film Festival gave four awards for the film including Best Film, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Jeremias Nyangoen, and Best Cinematography for Joseph Christoforus Fofid.
“Abang Adik” (Malaysia)
Malaysia’s bet for the Oscars is Abang Adik, a film directed by Jin Ong that focuses on a heartfelt drama of two orphaned brothers living in poverty in urban Malaysia. The film’s themes focus on family, identity, and survival, foregrounded by the emotional depth and realism the film offers.
Abang Adik was released in December 2023 and earned $1.3 million domestically. It’s a contender worth a watch that continues to be a favorite at the film festival circuit, receiving seven nominations at Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards last year and winning the Golden Mulberry Award at the 2024 Far East Film Festival.
“And So It Begins” (Philippines)
And So It Begins is a political documentary directed by Ramona S. Diaz that explores the country’s ongoing struggles with governance and reform. Centering on the 2022 presidential election, it narrates Leni Robredo’s campaign as she runs against Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., son of infamous dictator and former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, and with its sharp critique and timely commentary, it has sparked discussions on the international stage for its portrayal of the Filipino socio-political landscape. It continues to be a reminder for the political power fought on the country’s grounds.
“How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” (Thailand)
Next up is a fun and quirky dramatic film directed by Pat Boonnitipa. How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies follows the misadventures of a young entrepreneur dreaming to get rich before his grandmother’s passing. While offering comedic relief, it also provides a touching commentary on familial bonds and societal pressures in modern Thailand. The values reflected in the film show how much the country values their elderly, being a Southeast Asian country that builds on extended family.
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies premiered in April of this year and became the subject of a viral trend, where people filmed themselves crying after watching it. Since then, it has become the highest grossing Thai film of the year and broke records as the highest grossing Thai film in countries like Singapore, Myanmar, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines.
“Dao, Pho Va Piano” (Vietnam)
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Dao, Pho Va Piano is Vietnam’s entry to the Best International Feature Film category. It is an introspective film directed by Phi Tien Son that focuses on the lives of a struggling musician and a street vendor. Through poetic cinematography, the film explores themes of urbanization and the intersection of traditional and modern values.
The state-funded film commissioned by Vietnam’s Cinema Department premiered at the Vietnam Film Festival in November 2023 and won the Silver Lotus Award. It has since been screened for public viewing exclusively at the National Cinema Center, where it topped the box office with VND500 million earnings.
These films raise the flag of Southeast Asia, which offers a rich tapestry of storytelling, capturing the cultural and social nuances of the different countries—ranging from historical narratives to contemporary comedies, each representing their nation’s unique cinematic voice.
The submission of the International Feature Film for the 97th Academy Awards closed last October 2, with 15 official shortlisted films to be revealed on December 17. Stay tuned to SEA Wave for more updates, and follow the 97th Academy Awards website for announcements on the shortlist.