Ireland has selected the movie Arracht for next year’s Oscars. It will represent the country in the Best International Feature category.
As per Variety, the Irish Film and Television Academy announced Arracht as an official entry in the 2021 Oscars. Tom Sullivan is the director of the film.
The Irish drama initially premiered at the 2019 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. It also won two Irish Academy Awards earlier this year.
Arracht Irish movie details
Upon learning about the big news, director Sullivan couldn’t resist sharing his happiness. He said that its an overwhelming feeling for him.
“This is recognition of the team’s work and dedication and to be considered on this level is a huge honor and beyond exciting. It’s been a funny old year to be in the film business, but the support ‘Arracht’ has received from everyone has really kept us going.”
Arracht, set in 1845, tells the story of Fisherman Colmán Sharkey who takes in a stranger. There are various events taking place in the storyline that eventually lead to unexpected revelations.
Lead actors in the movie are Dónall Ó Héalai, Dara Devaney, and Michael McElhatton. Saise Ní Chúinn has made a debut with this project.
The IFTA selection committee that announced the movie as an Oscars entry also included Áine Moriarty. The CEO of the Irish Academy expressed his joy after the film’s selection.
“What an honor to have Tom Sullivan’s remarkable film ‘Arracht’ represent Ireland, with its powerful and striking cinematic visual from DOP Kate McCullough, who brings the audience into the heart of Ireland’s famine history,” he said.
He also added that the lead actor’s performance is remarkable, along with the storytelling.
“Dónall Ó Héalai’s brilliant and poignant central performance brings a gothic humanity to the storytelling that will resonate with audiences of any language.”
Cúán Mac Conghail produces the Tom Sullivan directorial for Macalla Teoranta. Brendan McCarthy and John McDonnell of Fantastic Films are executive producers.
Early contenders for 2021 Oscars
As of now, there are already a lot of early entries submitted in the Best International Feature section. It seems like the competition will be very tough among the contenders.
Iran, South Korea, Canada, and Japan had already submitted their entries a few days ago. While Sun Children will fight for Iran, The Man Standing Next will compete for South Korea. And Funny Boy and True Mothers will represent Canada and Japan, respectively.
It will be interesting to see how Ireland’s Arracht will challenge the above-mentioned potential winners.
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