The film features Nasir Uddin Khan in the lead role
Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury’s film Boli has been selected to represent Bangladesh in the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards.
This announcement comes after the film garnered significant acclaim, including an award at the prestigious Busan Film Festival.
Boli, which translates into “The Wrestler” in English, won in the New Currents section in 2022.
The decision was made by a seven-member Oscar Bangladesh Committee, chaired by director Matin Rahman.
After a thorough evaluation of submissions, the committee unanimously chose Boli on October 1, 2024, as Bangladesh’s official entry for the upcoming Oscars.
Robin Shams, the committee’s coordinator, highlighted the importance of this selection for Bangladeshi cinema.
Interestingly, Boli is yet to be theatrically released in Bangladesh.
However, recent updates to the eligibility criteria by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences allow films to qualify for international submissions.
So even without a domestic theatrical release, they can be submitted provided they meet specific requirements, including having international screenings.
This change opens doors for films like Boli, which received government funding in the fiscal year 2020-21.
The film features Nasir Uddin Khan in the lead role, portraying a quirky fisherman living by the sea.
It was filmed in the picturesque coastal areas of Chattogram during April and May 2022.
The production was co-produced by Saiful Azim and Syed Gausul Alam Shaon, contributing to its unique storytelling.
Boli’s recognition at the Busan International Film Festival is particularly noteworthy.
It marks the first time a Bangladeshi film has been awarded the top prize at this festival.
The film’s director received a prize of Tk. 34 Lakh (£21,500), further underscoring its impact on the international stage.
The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, are set to take place on March 3, 2025.
The awards will be held at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California.
The event will feature awards presented in 23 categories, including the highly competitive Best International Feature Film category.
This is the category in which Boli will represent Bangladesh.
As the film prepares for this significant milestone, it embodies the growing recognition of Bangladeshi cinema on the global stage.
The film’s journey to the Oscars not only highlights its artistic merit but also reflects the evolving landscape of international film submissions.
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