FOREIGN OSCAR GUIDE: The New World

Anyone paying attention to world cinema will surely have noticed the rise of Latin American cinema. Along with their North American counterparts (aka “The New World”), the region has been a hotbed of emerging talents in the last few years. Indeed, it seems like rarely does a major film festival go by without a Latin American film winning a prize. And in terms of Oscar, countries like Chile, Colombia and Peru have recently received their first ever nominations for Best Foreign Language Film. This year, 15 films will represent the Americas with hopes of keeping that momentum going. Here’s a look at this eclectic group.

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FOREIGN OSCAR GUIDE: Africa & Middle East

Back in 2006, the Academy implemented a significant rule change that no longer required films in the Foreign Language category to be in the language of their submitting country. In an increasingly globalized industry it was seen as a necessary evolutionary step, with subsequent nominees like “Mustang” and 2012 winner “Amour” taking advantage. And indeed, this year’s crop of films from Africa and the Middle East region reflect this global perspective. Among them are co-productions with countries as far afield as Norway and France, while Israel achieved a historic milestone with their submission. As the following 12 films show, African and Middle Eastern cinema is ready for the world stage.

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REVIEW: The Companion

With a plot exploring themes surrounding unlikely friendship, AIDS and boxing, Pavel Giroud’s “The Companion” would appear to be an unusually ambitious film. But looks can be deceiving, as the storytelling in this low-key drama takes a rather tentative approach. Despite a fascinating premise, Giroud keeps the emotions reserved and the conflicts minimal with his underwhelmingly light touch.

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INTERVIEW: Nare Mkrtchyan

Recently selected for the Oscar shortlist for Best Documentary Short, “The Other Side of Home” is an eye-opening account of the legacy of the 1915 Armenian genocide by the Turkish government. Filmed during the 100th year commemoration of the tragedy, it follows a Turkish woman named Maya who has learned of her Armenian heritage. As she travels to Armenia to explore her mixed identity, the film provides a somber reflection on the complexities associated with this harrowing historical period. Earlier this week, I interviewed the director Nare Mkrtchyan to discuss the film and the importance of showing the humanity amid the atrocities. Below is an edited transcript of our conversation.

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INTERVIEW: Fisher Stevens

As an actor, director, producer and writer, Fisher Stevens is one of the most dedicated persons in the film industry. From his early days in front of the camera, he has lately branched into significant directing and producing work related to one of his biggest passions – protecting the environment. For his latest effort “Before the Flood,” he teamed up with the ideal partner (Leonardo DiCaprio) to raise public awareness of one the most important environmental issues – climate change. Recently, I had a phone chat with Stevens to discuss this collaboration and delve into the lessons he wishes to share from the making of this globally relevant documentary. Here is the edited version of our conversation below.

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REVIEW: Before the Flood

The familiar voice of Leonardo DiCaprio opens “Before the Flood,” narrating over a set of graphic paintings by Hieronymus Bosch. He explains that they represent his first encounter with the environmental concerns to be subsequently discussed in the documentary, depicting the downward spiral of man from the harmonious Garden of Eden to an apocalyptic future of paradise lost. Just as these images must have haunted his infant mind, the intent of this impassioned documentary is clear – humanity is heading down a destructive path and we need to wake up before it’s too late.

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FOREIGN OSCAR GUIDE: Academy Faves

Last year, the big story out of the Foreign Language Oscar category was the success of the debut filmmakers. Indeed, an impressive three of the five nominees were first features, with László Nemes’ staggering Holocaust drama “Son of Saul” eventually prevailing. For the 2016 Foreign Oscar race however, the stage seems set for a number of the category’s veterans to make a return with their latest films. Here’s a look at the nine former nominees who will be among this year’s strongest contenders.

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COMING SOON: Almost Christmas

Arriving in time to ring in the holiday season, David E. Talbert's "Almost Christmas" should provide some appealing counterprogamming to all the serious films opening this fall. In this comedy, a family comes together for Thanksgiving in the hopes that they can finally get along. With hints of "Soul Food" in its premise (they're brought together by the death of the matriarch), the film features a talented ensemble cast of woefully underused black actors like Kimberly Elise, Mo'Nique, Gabrielle Union. Check out the trailer below:



"Almost Christmas" opens in theaters November 11th.

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INTERVIEW: Juho Kuosmanen

Winner of Un Certain Regard at Cannes 2016 and recently chosen to represent Finland at the Oscars, “The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki” is one of this year’s most pleasant surprises. As its director Juho Kuosmanen would firmly explain, this unusual true story is not your typical boxing drama. Based on the exploits of its title character Olli Mäki, it follows his preparation for the biggest fight of his life. But while his country primes him to be their next sporting hero, Olli is much more concerned with his burgeoning romance with his sweetheart Raija. Earlier this week, I had a chat with Kuosmanen to learn more about his approach to this unique character, the making of the film and his personal attachment to its themes. Below is an edited version of our conversation.

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REVIEW: The Age of Shadows

In 2015, South Korea selected Lee Joon-ik’s “The Throne” as their official Oscar submission for Best Foreign Language Film. Based on the life of the Crown Prince Sado, it was crafted around a rather sadistic premise where said prince was ultimately forced to be locked up in a rice chest until death. Unsurprisingly, the Academy snubbed the film, as they have routinely done with Korean entries in the past. This year, however, the East Asian nation may finally have a chance with Kim Jee-woon’s “The Age of Shadows.” Exploring another dark period in Korea’s past, this handsomely produced spy thriller will surely prove to be more accessible and rewarding for general audiences.

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