International Oscar submissions sharpen

The campaigns for the Oscar for Best International Feature are intensifying, with the submission deadline set for October 1. The shortlist will be announced on December 15, followed by the nominations on January 21. Among the titles submitted are Fjord from Romania, Palme d’Or winner at Cannes, Everytime from Germany, Un Certain Regard award, Minotaur from France, Cannes Grand Prix, La Bola Negra from Spain, Fatherland from Poland, Cannes Best Director award, and Woman Unknown from Denmark, winner of the Golden Lion at Venice and the Coppa Volpi for Mathilde Arcel. A new Academy rule now allows any film that has won at one of the six major festivals to compete without the backing of a national committee. Kenya presents One Woman, One Bra by Vincho Nchogu, a story rooted in a villager's land quest. (Variety)