Eyes on the Prize: Foreign Language Oscar Directors in Discussion

Moderated by Scott Feinberg   It seems like every year there are more and more submissions competing for the handful of spots in the Academy's Best Film in a Foreign Language category. This year there were 89, of which 85 were accepted. In December that field was shortlisted to nine, and the final five nominees will be announced January 24^th.  

No audience anywhere will have the chance to see as many of these movies side by side as we here at PSIFF. Over the past three years we have also been delighted to bring together a panel of international filmmakers whose work is being showcased in this forum, to talk about their art, international exposure, awards, audiences, and whatever else is top of mind at this time.  

Last year, we were thrilled to have all nine shortlisted candidates for this prestigious award on our panel: Paddy Breathnach (Viva); Jaco van Dormiel (The Brand New Testament); Deniz Gamze Ergüven (Mustang); Ciro Guerra (Embrace of the Serpent); Klaus Haro (The Fencer); Tobias Lindholm (A War); the eventual Oscar-winner, László Nemes (Son of Saul); Naji Abu Nowar (Theeb); and Giulio Ricciarelli (Labyrinth of Lies), who didn't get a nomination but did win our Audience Award as some consolation.  

This year's panel will be announced in January, please check back then.   Clips from their films will round out the discussion, moderated by Hollywood Reporter's Scott Feinberg. All panelists' films are showcased in the festival's Awards Buzz program.