Iran shortlists five films for 2025 Oscar submission
Iran’s Farabi Cinema Foundation unveiled five films shortlisted to represent the country in the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.
The selection followed a comprehensive review of 84 eligible entries by a nine-member committee, including prominent Iranian filmmakers such as Narges Abyar, Shabnam Moghaddami, and Fereydoun Jeyrani.
The committee first identified a set of works for a second round of evaluation before narrowing the list to five nominees. Among the contenders are ‘The Old Bachelor,’ ‘Woman and Child,’ ‘Raha,’ ‘Call me Ziba,’ and ‘Cause of Death: Unknown.’
Two of these, ‘The Old Bachelor’ and ‘Woman and Child,’ had already circulated in industry circles and among critics as potential frontrunners.
The selected films span a range of themes and styles, highlighting contemporary Iranian cinema’s depth and diversity. ‘Woman and Child,’ directed by Saeed Roustayi, has already drawn international attention following its nomination for the Palme d’Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. It explores family dynamics and societal pressures, a narrative that has resonated with audiences both inside Iran and abroad.
The final decision on Iran’s official Oscar submission will be made after further deliberations, with the announcement expected in the coming weeks.
The selection process underscores Iran’s continued effort to present its cinematic achievements to the global stage. The Farabi Cinema Foundation remains a central institution in promoting Iranian film, ensuring that the country’s diverse voices are seen and heard internationally.