Tajikistan Submits Mysterious Drama 'Black Rabbit, White Rabbit' to Oscars

Tajikistan Picks 'Black Rabbit, White Rabbit' as Best Int'l Feature Submission to Oscars LOS ANGELES - The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Tuesday that Tajikistan has selected "Black Rabbit, White Rabbit," a mystery drama by Iranian filmmaker Shahram Mokri, as its entry for the best international feature film category at the 94th Oscars. The film, which premiered at the Busan International Film Festival in October, has already garnered attention and accolades, including the India Vision Asian Award. "Black Rabbit, White Rabbit" will next screen at the BFI London Film Festival and Chicago International Film Festival. Mokri's co-production with the United Arab Emirates was supported by Tajikfilm in Tajikistan and produced in both Tajik and Persian languages. The cast features prominent Tajik actors Babak Karimi, Hasti Mohammaï, Kibriyo Dilyobova, and Bezhan Davlyatov. "We are thrilled that 'Black Rabbit, White Rabbit' has been selected as our entry for the Oscars," said Negar Eskandarfar, producer of the film. "This recognition is a testament to the talent and dedication of our team, and we look forward to sharing our story with a global audience." Mokri wrote the screenplay in collaboration with Nasim Ahmadpour. The film's international co-production highlights the growing trend of regional collaborations in the film industry. "Tajikistan's selection of 'Black Rabbit, White Rabbit' for the Oscars is a significant milestone," said Dr. Svetlana Durgin, Director-General of Tajikfilm. "This recognition underscores our country's commitment to promoting cultural exchange and artistic innovation through cinema." The 94th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Background: Tajikistan has been actively participating in international film festivals and competitions in recent years. The country's film industry has been growing steadily, with a focus on promoting Tajik culture and talent globally. Perspective: Industry experts note that "Black Rabbit, White Rabbit" is one of the few films from Central Asia to be selected for the Oscars. This recognition highlights the importance of international collaborations and cultural exchange in the film industry. Current Status: The Academy will review all submissions before announcing the shortlist for the best international feature film category on December 21. The winners will be announced at the 94th Oscars ceremony on March 27, 2022. *Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*