The survival drama “2018-Everyone is a Hero”, which narrates the story of the 2018 Kerala floods, has been selected as India’s official submission for the Best International Feature category at the 2024 Academy Awards, the Film Federation of India (FFI) announced.
Girish Kasaravalli, a distinguished filmmaker and the selection committee’s chairperson, conveyed that the choice was unanimous among the 16-member jury. The selection process saw the committee watching 22 films in a week. “The film stands out for highlighting Indian ethos, situation, and people. It resonates with the global challenges of climate change,” said Kasaravalli.
The film’s lead, Tovino Thomas, who recently won the best Asian Actor award for “2018” at the Septimius Awards in Amsterdam, expressed his elation, mentioning the extreme conditions they endured during the film’s production. “This movie is now getting international acclaim,” he noted.
Director Jude Anthany Joseph expressed his joy and surprise at the selection, while Ravi Kottarakara, FFI’s president, highlighted that despite tough competition from other films like “The Kerala Story”, “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”, and more, the jury’s choice was clear. “2018” stars include Tanvi Ram, Kunchako Boban, and Aparna Balamurali and the movie, as per the makers, has grossed over Rs 200 crore, setting a record in Malayalam cinema.
It’s noteworthy that the last Indian movie to be among the Oscar’s final five was “Lagaan” in 2001. The upcoming 96th Academy Awards ceremony is set for March 10, 2024, in Los Angeles.
