India’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2024 Oscars has been officially announced. According to reports, the selected film is 2018, a survival thriller directed by filmmaker Jude Anthany Joseph.
This decision, Deadline writes, was made by a selection committee appointed by the Film Federation of India, with filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli serving as the committee’s chair.
The film stars acclaimed actors Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban and Asif Ali and is set against the backdrop of the devastating 2018 Kerala Floods. The film depicts the struggles and collective efforts of people from diverse backgrounds as they grapple with the catastrophic consequences of the natural disaster. Jude Anthany Joseph co-wrote the film with Akhil P. Dharmajan, and it was produced by Anto Joseph, C.K. Padma Kumar, and Venu Kunnappilly.
This year’s selection process saw stiff competition, with 22 films vying for the coveted Oscars spot. Some of the other noteworthy titles considered included The Kerala Story, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway, Balagam, Vaalvi, Baaplyok and August 16, 1947.
It’s worth noting that last year’s Indian entry, Last Film Show, directed by Pan Nalin, did not make it to the final Oscars nominations. However, the film industry remains hopeful that 2018 will garner international recognition and continue India’s presence on the global cinematic stage.
