In a surprising turn of events, Matthew Rankin’s latest comedy, Universal Language, has been selected as Canada’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. This marks the ninth time in Canada’s history that a film has been chosen to represent the country in this category, with the most recent being Kim Nguyen’s Rebelle in 2013.
Universal Language, written by Rankin, Pirouz Nemati, and Ila Firouzabadi, takes viewers on a comedic journey set in winter, somewhere between Tehran and Winnipeg. The story follows Negin and Nazgol as they discover a large sum of money frozen deep within the sidewalk ice and attempt to retrieve it. Meanwhile, Massoud leads a group of bewildered tourists on a bizarre walking tour of Winnipeg’s monuments and historic sites, adding to the film’s surreal nature.
The Cast and Crew
The film features a talented cast including Rojina Esmaeili, Saba Vahedyousefi, Pirouz Nemati, Mani Soleymanlou, and Rankin himself. Produced by Metafilms, Universal Language is set for release on September 20, with its North American premiere taking place at TIFF on September 10. The film will be distributed by Oscilloscope in the U.S. and Maison 4:3 in Canada, with Best Friend Forever handling worldwide sales.
Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada, praised Universal Language for its ability to transcend language barriers and connect with audiences both locally and internationally. Rankin expressed his gratitude for the film’s selection, highlighting the collaborative effort that went into creating this unique comedy. The film is a testament to the power of friendship and creativity, blending elements of Iran, Winnipeg, and Quebec into a captivating narrative.
The Road to the Oscars
As of now, nine countries have submitted entries for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars, with submissions closing on October 2. The Academy will announce the shortlists on December 17, followed by the official nominations on January 17, 2025. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 2, where Universal Language will have the opportunity to showcase Canada’s rich cinematic talent on the world stage.