Iranian Cinema Exiles Celebrate Changes to Best International Film Oscar Submission Process: A Significant Move Forward
The Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association (IIFMA) has expressed support for newly announced changes to the submission guidelines for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards. However, the organization believes further improvements are necessary to make the process more inclusive.
In a significant overhaul of the eligibility criteria for non-English language films, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has broadened the avenues for submissions. Films can now qualify for consideration by winning top awards at recognized festivals including Berlin, Busan, Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, or Venice, in addition to being submitted by an Academy-approved selection committee from their respective countries or regions.
This change follows years of advocacy from filmmakers and cinema groups who felt marginalized due to political mismatches with their government’s selection committees. Many of these individuals have faced barriers in entering the Best International Feature Film category.
Established in the wake of the Woman Life Freedom protests in Iran, IIFMA includes exiled Iranian cinema professionals and has been a leading voice in lobbying for reforms in the submission rules.
The organization noted that Iran’s Farabi Cinema Foundation, responsible for the country’s film submissions, operates under the strict control of the hardline Islamic Republic regime. This government has long suppressed freedom of speech and persecuted filmmakers throughout its 47-year rule.
In a statement, IIFMA declared, “The Independent Iranian Filmmakers Association (IIFMA) is proud to announce a major victory: after roughly four years of sustained advocacy on eligibility and entry rules for the international category, the Academy has announced important changes.”
The organization emphasized that these reforms would significantly benefit independent filmmakers, particularly those living under autocratic regimes where access to national submissions has been historically restricted.
IIFMA indicated that its efforts, which included formal letters to AMPAS, press releases, and discussions at Berlin’s European Film Market, contributed to these changes.
Nevertheless, the organization acknowledged that “this change is not perfect: restricting eligibility to major festival winners remains inequitable for many truly independent makers. Nevertheless, it opens a vital path forward. There is still room for improvement, but this is an important step, and we are very pleased with the progress. We thank the Academy for listening and taking action.”
