India may be producing the highest number of films in a year, but the country is yet to win an Oscar in the Best International Film category. This was the 23rd consecutive year that an Indian film was nominated. This year, the Film Federation of India chose the Kiran Rao-directed Missing Ladies as the official entry from the country.

However, It is out of the running as 15 shortlisted films are announced On Tuesday. The film’s early release caused an uproar on social media, including from celebrities like Hansal Mehta And Ricky Cage also questioned the selection of cinema sent as an official entry.

A section of the industry and cinema lovers feel that Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light (AWIAL) has a better chance of getting international recognition. Awarded the Cannes Grand Prix, this film has also received a nomination at the Golden Globes.

If you are also wondering how the FFI selected Lapata Ladies and whether AWIAL had a chance, let us break down the process for you.

Process to select India’s official entry

The Academy Awards annually celebrate films made outside the United States under the category ‘Best International Feature Film’, formerly known as Best Foreign Film. For the same, the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences (the governing body of the Oscars) gives the responsibility of choosing a film to an elected body. In India, this work is done by the apex body, which is called Film Federation of India (FFI). This year, 29 films in different Indian languages ​​were submitted to FFI, which was announced Missing Ladies as India’s official entry After watching all the movies.

All about Film Federation of India

The Film Federation of India is a parent body of the industry comprising directors, producers, distributors and exhibitors from across India. It has approximately 50,000 members from various industries. Apart from taking the responsibility of choosing India’s official entry to the Oscars, it also works towards securing the rights of artistes and technicians.

A special 13-member committee was formed for the Oscars under the leadership of acclaimed filmmaker Jahnu Barua. Industry veterans like Ravi Jadhav, GP Vijayakumar (producer), Santosh Raman (art director), Bobby Bedi (producer), and Longinus Fernandes (choreographer) were also part of the jury that unanimously selected Missing Ladies as India’s official entry. Was chosen as. ,

Provision for multiple entries from the same country

Earlier, after The Missing Ladies was announced as India’s official entry at the 97th Academy Awards, the makers of Swatantra Veer Savarkar posted a message claiming that the film was “officially submitted for the Oscars”. Was done” and thanked the FFI for the “remarkable appreciation”.

This created confusion not only among fans but also among a section of the film industry. According to Academy rules, only one film per country is allowed as an official entry in the Best International Feature Film category. Speaking exclusively to India Today Digital, FFI President Ravi Kottarakara clarified the situation And discussed the possibility of Randeep Hooda’s film reaching the Oscars.

“Official entry is done through FFI. Filmmakers submit their films for screening, and one of them is selected. The key word here is ‘submit’ as multiple films can be sent to us. To Veer Savarkar was also submitted, and the jury did see it. Although it was a good film, The Missing Ladies was the unanimous choice by the jury,” he said.

However, he pointed out that anyone can freely submit their films to the Academy. Kottarakara said, “There is a provision for film producers to do so. However, that too is just a request. But it has nothing to do with the federation. We have already issued a statement announcing our choice. “

It’s already discussed All We Imagine as Light may enter the Oscar competition as an independent entry. Earlier, SS Rajamouli had pitched his blockbuster RRR as an independent entry in 14 categories in 2023 and also ran a successful campaign around it. The song ‘Natu Natu’ also won awards and was performed live on stage.

According to reports, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali also presented Gangubai Kathiawadi in all major categories including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress and Best Screenplay in the same year.

Next step towards big Oscar honor

This year, films from 85 countries and territories were submitted as official entries for the Oscars. A 30-member International Feature Film Selection Committee examines these entries and shortlists 15 films through votes. Next, the English-subtitled copies are viewed by the Foreign Language Film Awards Committee, which chooses five films for the final nomination list. As readers may know, only three Indian films have been nominated so far: Mother India in 1957, Salaam Bombay in 1988 and Lagaan in 2001. However, no Indian film has ever won the honour.

However, Shahana Goswami-starrer Santosh, made by British-Indian director Sandhya Suri, has made the cut and stepped to the next level of the international feature film category. Guneet Monga’s live-action short, Anuja has also been shortlisted.