Pakistani film 'Saawan' out of Oscars 2018 race

Pakistani film Saawan did not make the cut for the upcoming 2018 Oscars.  The Pakistani Academy Selection Committee had selected the film to be submitted for Oscar consideration in the ‘Foreign Language Film Award’ category at the 90^th Academy Awards, stated a press release.

Saawan,  directed by Farhan Alam and written and produced by Mashood Qadri, is based on a true story of a disabled child who lives in a valley in the mountains of Balochistan is rejected by his father, intimidated by society, harassed by friends and left alone due to his disability.

PHOTO: FILE

The film won Best Foreign Language Feature Film award at the Madrid International Film Festival 2017 and the Best Film and Best Soundtrack Award at Salento International Film Festival in Italy

India's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars 2018, Newton, is also out of the race for the honour. But the movie's team is feeling far from defeated.

Newton, directed by Amit V Masurkar and starring the stellar Rajkummar Rao in a story set against the backdrop of elections in the world's largest democracy, were very grateful.

PHOTO: HINDUSTAN TIMES

Masurkar said: "The Foreign Film Category is like the Olympics. We are competing with the best in the world, so it's extremely tough. The response from Academy members to 'Newton' was very positive and we are grateful to everyone who supported us on this journey. The experience has enriched us and has encouraged me to push my limits each time I make a new film."

Film-maker Hansal Mehta, who has always lent unrelenting support for Rajkummar and Newton said that missing the Oscar bus changes nothing for this film's credentials.

PHOTO: INDIA TIMES

When the film was chosen as India's Oscar entry by the Film Federation of India, there was buzz that it was inspired by a 2001 Iranian movie titled Secret Ballot.

The shortlisted films for the Foreign Language Film category for Oscars at this time include: A Fantastic Woman (Chile), In the Fade (Germany), On Body and Soul (Hungary), Foxtrot (Israel), The Insult (Lebanon), Loveless (Russia), Felicite (Senegal), The Wound (South Africa) and The Square (Sweden).

Final nominations for all categories be announced on January 23, 2018. The Oscars ceremony will be held on March 4, 2018.

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