Canada, known for its rich cinematic history, has yet again made a mark in the international film arena with the selection of Matthew Rankin’s comedy ‘Universal Language’ as the country’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. This prestigious honor marks the ninth time a Canadian film has been recognized in this category, with the most recent representation being Kim Nguyen’s ‘Rebelle’ in 2013.
The Plot and Characters of ‘Universal Language’
‘Universal Language,’ written by Rankin, Pirouz Nemati, and Ila Firouzabadi, takes viewers on a unique journey set in winter, between Tehran and Winnipeg. The film follows the story of Negin and Nazgol as they stumble upon a large sum of money frozen deep within the sidewalk ice. Meanwhile, Massoud leads a group of perplexed tourists on an absurd walking tour of Winnipeg’s monuments, and Matthew embarks on a mysterious quest to visit his estranged mother. The narrative intricately weaves together elements of time, geography, and identity, culminating in a surreal comedy of misdirection.
Featuring a talented ensemble cast including Rojina Esmaeili, Saba Vahedyousefi, Pirouz Nemati, Mani Soleymanlou, and Rankin himself, ‘Universal Language’ showcases a diverse range of performances that add depth and nuance to the narrative. Produced by Metafilms, the film is slated for release on September 20, with Oscilloscope handling its U.S. release and Maison 4:3 distributing it in Canada. Best Friend Forever is spearheading worldwide sales, cementing the film’s global reach and appeal.
Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada, lauded ‘Universal Language’ as emblematic of the nation’s cinematic prowess, stating that the film transcends language barriers to resonate with audiences both at home and abroad. Rankin, expressing his gratitude for the film’s selection, emphasized the collaborative effort that brought ‘Universal Language’ to life, highlighting the camaraderie and creativity that fueled the project.
Amidst stiff competition from entries worldwide, ‘Universal Language’ stands as a testament to Canada’s vibrant film industry and commitment to storytelling. With submissions for the Best International Feature Film category closing on October 2, the anticipation builds for the Academy’s shortlist announcement on December 17 and the final Oscar nominations on January 17, 2025. As the film embarks on its journey to the Oscars, the excitement and acclaim surrounding ‘Universal Language’ continue to grow, heralding a new chapter in Canadian cinema.