Two Swiss films in the running for 2007 Oscar nominations
26.09.2007
The comedy “Die Herbstzeitlosen” (Late Bloomers) by Bettina Oberli (Production: Catpics, Zurich) has been the biggest movie success for the past 25 years, and it will now represent Switzerland in the competition for the 2008 Oscars nominations in the category of “Best Foreign Film”. Peter Entell’s film “Shake The Devil Off”, which premiered at the Locarno International Film Festival, has a chance to be nominated in the category for “Best Long Documentary”. Entell’s nomination has received support from the Federal Office of Cultural Affairs and from SWISS FILMS.
Based on the recommendation by a six member expert committee, the Federal Office of Cultural Affairs entered the comedy “Die Herbstzeitlosen” (Late Bloomers) for nomination with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles. The film was selected by the expert team due to “ its universal theme and its high quality screenplay and casting. Further, its successful run in Switzerland and abroad – with approximately 600,000 movie tickets sold in Switzerland, and over 250,000 movie tickets sold in Germany and Austria – not only convinced international movie critics, but the film also gained support from Disney-backed distributor Buenavista/Switzerland.” The film’s producer Alfi Sinninger has had experience with Hollywood: in 1991, his production “Journey of Hope” by Xavier Koller won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film.
With “Shake The Devil Off” by Peter Entell, a second film made in Switzerland will enter consideration for the 2008 Oscar nominations. The film about the closing of a church parish in New Orleans, six months after the devastating effects of hurricane Katrina, celebrated its world premiere at the Locarno International Film Festival in August. Peter Entell’s production company “Show and Tell” is directly entering the film for consideration to be nominated with the Academy, in the category for “Best Feature Documentary”. Eligible for nominations are US and foreign documentary films that were shown in movie theatres in 14 cities in at least 10 US states before November 15. The theatrical release of Peter Entell’s film was financially supported by the Federal Office of Cultural Affairs, and the film’s Oscar nomination received financial support by SWISS FILMS.
Nominations in all categories will be announced on January 22, 2008. The Oscars Academy Awards ceremony will take place in Los Angeles on February 24.
Zurich, September 26, 2007
With “Shake The Devil Off” by Peter Entell, a second film made in Switzerland will enter consideration for the 2008 Oscar nominations. The film about the closing of a church parish in New Orleans, six months after the devastating effects of hurricane Katrina, celebrated its world premiere at the Locarno International Film Festival in August. Peter Entell’s production company “Show and Tell” is directly entering the film for consideration to be nominated with the Academy, in the category for “Best Feature Documentary”. Eligible for nominations are US and foreign documentary films that were shown in movie theatres in 14 cities in at least 10 US states before November 15. The theatrical release of Peter Entell’s film was financially supported by the Federal Office of Cultural Affairs, and the film’s Oscar nomination received financial support by SWISS FILMS.
Nominations in all categories will be announced on January 22, 2008. The Oscars Academy Awards ceremony will take place in Los Angeles on February 24.
Zurich, September 26, 2007