TEHRAN: Iran has chosen director Babak Khajeh-Pasha’s “The Land of Angels” as its Oscar entry for 2027. The drama will represent the country in the 99th Academy Awards’ international feature film category.
The Farabi Cinema Foundation, which coordinates Iran’s Oscar submission, announced the selection. However, the national choice does not constitute an Academy nomination.
Produced by Manouchehr Muhammadi, the film premiered at Iran’s 44th Fajr Film Festival. It won five Crystal Simorgh awards and received eight diplomas of honour, making it the festival’s most decorated production.
Set during the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the story follows a woman whose love and resilience produce what the filmmakers describe as a miracle.
Read: Trump Minion Video Goes Viral Amid Iran Meme War
It uses a child-centred perspective and features Iranian performers alongside actors from several Arab countries.
Syrian actress Sulaf Fawakherji leads the cast. Child performers include Ali Deeb, Fatemeh Almasoumeh Zareeq, Ahoura Lotfi and Muhammad Asad.
Meanwhile, Tasvir Shahr Institute and the Soureh Cinema Organisation produced the drama. The Soureh International Department handles its international distribution.
Iran’s selection committee included filmmaker and television personality Iraj Tahmasb, screenwriter Farhad Tohidi and cinematographer Mahmoud Kalari.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will determine the eventual shortlist and nominees through its international feature film selection process.
Iran selected “The Land of Angels” for consideration in the international feature film category at the 99th Academy Awards.
