As the Oscars approach, the competition for the Best International Feature Film category is shaping up to be one of the most exciting races yet. This year, a broad array of nations from every continent have submitted films that range from intimate dramas to bold political statements and historical epics. With 86 countries officially submitting, cinephiles are set to experience some of the most unique and evocative storytelling from around the world.

The official submission deadline passed on October 2, 2024, and so far, 86 films have been confirmed for consideration. While several countries have been regulars in this category, this year introduces fresh contenders alongside celebrated directors, making the race particularly compelling. From suspenseful mysteries and poignant love stories to tales of resilience and identity, each film brings something distinct, providing insight into diverse cultures, histories, and modern-day struggles. Below, we highlight a few standout entries, listed alphabetically by country.

Albania – Waterdrop

Directed by Robert Budina, Waterdrop follows a city planner in Lake Ohrid who confronts corruption after her son becomes embroiled in scandal. As her life unravels, she embarks on a quest for truth amidst a web of envy and prejudice.

Algeria – Algiers

Directed by Chakib Taleb-Bendiab, Algiers centers on a psychiatrist and a police inspector investigating a young girl’s kidnapping. This tense thriller reveals layers of hidden trauma and unresolved tensions in the Algerian capital.

Argentina – Kill the Jockey

Directed by Luis Ortega, this dark comedy follows a self-destructive jockey who vanishes from a hospital before his most critical race. Through his journey in Buenos Aires, he faces his identity and the violent world of crime.

Armenia – Yasha and Leonid Brezhnev

Directed by Edgar Baghdasaryan, this film presents a poignant story of a man clinging to his Soviet-era past. With historical figures appearing, Yasha faces humor and tragedy as he resists change in post-Soviet Armenia.

Austria – The Devil’s Bath

Directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, this 18th-century horror story follows a woman trapped in a suffocating marriage. Her despair transforms into a descent into darkness as she battles her oppressive family life.

Bangladesh – The Wrestler (Boli)

Directed by Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury, this film explores the community impact of a local wrestling match. The tale of one man challenging a champion reveals the complexities of honor and tradition in a fishing village.

Belgium – Julie Keeps Quiet

Directed by Leonardo Van Dijl, this drama follows a young tennis player who stays silent despite a scandal involving her coach. Her choice reflects the pressures of sports and societal expectations of loyalty and obedience.

Bolivia – Own Hand

Directed by Gory Patiño, this thriller dives into the brutal consequences of mob-driven justice in Bolivia. Through the ordeal of a family entangled in a lynching, the film examines vigilante violence and societal fear.

Bosnia and Herzegovina – My Late Summer

Directed by Danis Tanović, this comedy-drama follows a woman on a remote island as she confronts family and inheritance issues. As she digs into her past, she faces questions of identity and forgiveness.

Brazil – I’m Still Here

Directed by Walter Salles, this biopic follows Eunice Paiva as she searches for her husband who disappeared under Brazil’s dictatorship. Through her journey, the film delves into resilience and political loss.

Bulgaria – Triumph

Directed by Kristina Grozeva and Peter Valchanov, this satire is set in post-communist Bulgaria, where military officials embark on a surreal treasure hunt. The film comments on the nation’s history and the absurdity of power.

Cambodia – Meeting with Pol Pot

Directed by Rithy Panh, Meeting with Pol Pot documents the experiences of journalists under the Khmer Rouge. The film sheds light on the propaganda surrounding Pol Pot’s regime and Cambodia’s dark past.

Canada – Universal Language

Directed by Matthew Rankin, this surreal comedy interweaves several quirky narratives, from a treasure discovery to a misguided tour. Set in wintry Canada, it explores themes of identity and absurdity.

Chile – In Her Place

Directed by Maite Alberti, this historical drama takes place in 1950s Chile, following a woman who questions her life after meeting a mysterious writer. It’s a powerful reflection on gender roles and self-discovery.

Colombia – La Suprema

Directed by Felipe Holguín, La Suprema tells the story of a girl’s quest to watch her uncle’s boxing match, sparking a series of events that reflect on family, resilience, and community ties.

Costa Rica – Memories of a Burning Body

Directed by Antonella Sudasassi Furniss, this film weaves the stories of three women in a conservative society. It captures their introspective journey as they challenge traditional gender norms.

Croatia – Beautiful Evening, Beautiful Day

Directed by Ivona Juka, this post-war drama follows four resistance fighters whose once-strong values are tested by the passage of time. It’s a nuanced look at loyalty, legacy, and disillusionment.

Czech Republic – Waves

Directed by Jiří Mádl, Waves is a historical thriller set in a news office during an oppressive era. It highlights the courage and brotherhood of those who fought to keep truth alive.

Denmark – The Girl with the Needle

Directed by Magnus von Horn, this film centers on a young woman’s journey through Copenhagen’s underground adoption world. It delves into themes of survival and resilience in a post-WWI setting.

Dominican Republic – Aire, Just Breathe

Directed by Leticia Tonos, this dystopian drama imagines a world where men are sterile and humanity is at risk. It follows a biologist as she tries to safeguard the future in a dramatically altered society.

Ecuador – Behind the Mist

Directed by Sebastián Cordero, this contemplative documentary follows two climbers up Mount Everest, exploring personal and philosophical reflections at the peak of human endurance.

Egypt – Flight 404

Directed by Hani Khalifa, this thriller follows a young woman attempting to save her mother’s life while confronting past traumas. It’s a story of resilience and survival in Cairo.

Estonia – 8 Views of Lake Biwa

Directed by Marko Raat, this film captures the meditative journey of individuals in an Estonian village, each experiencing tragedy and cultural shifts amidst serene landscapes.

Finland – Family Time

Directed by Tia Kouvo, Family Time is a tragicomic look at a family reunion over Christmas, exposing the tensions and bonds that define relationships.

France – Emilia Pérez

Directed by Jacques Audiard, this vibrant musical drama weaves the lives of four women in Mexico, each pursuing happiness in the face of societal obstacles.

Georgia – The Antique

Directed by Rusudan Glurjidze, The Antique reflects on friendship and displacement, portraying the journey of a young Georgian woman navigating cultural tensions in Russia.

Germany – The Seed of the Sacred Fig

Directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, this political thriller focuses on an Iranian investigator torn between duty and family amid a fierce protest movement.

Greece – The Murderess

Directed by Eva Nathena, this period drama based on a novel follows a woman’s defiance against a patriarchal society on a remote Greek island.

Hong Kong – Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In

Directed by Soi Cheang, this neo-noir action film set in 1980s Hong Kong delves into the gritty, lawless underworld of the Kowloon Walled City.

Hungary – Semmelweis

Directed by Lajos Koltai, this period biopic honors Ignac Semmelweis, a 19th-century Hungarian doctor renowned for championing hygiene to prevent postpartum deaths. Koltai, a previous Oscar nominee as a cinematographer, directs this powerful story of medical breakthroughs and personal sacrifice.

Iceland – Touch

In this adaptation of a best-selling novel, directed by Baltasar Kormákur,  a widower with early-stage dementia embarks on a quest to find a long-lost love during the Covid-19 pandemic. Kormákur’s moving film explores memory, love, and longing in Iceland.

India – Laapataa Ladies

This satire centers on two brides who accidentally switch places on the eve of their weddings, leading to a lighthearted critique of patriarchal traditions in rural India. Kiran Rao, brings humor and warmth to this tale of unexpected destinies.

Indonesia – Woman from Rote Island

This feature debut tells the story of Orpa, a widow raising her two daughters in a remote Indonesian village, facing discrimination and tradition after her daughters experience traumatic events.  Directed by Jeremias Nyangoen film highlights resilience and societal challenges in rural Indonesia.

Iran – In the Arms of the Tree

A married couple’s relationship crumbles, shattering their family life in this drama that reflects contemporary Iranian social dynamics. Directed by Babak Lotfi Khajepasha, the film has sparked discussions about AMPAS’s relationship with Iran’s state-run film selection amid political controversies.

Iraq – Baghdad Messi

A young boy in Iraq dreams of becoming a soccer star until he loses a leg in a terror attack. Based on a previous Oscar-shortlisted short film, Director Sahim Omar Kalifa’s Baghdad Messi examines resilience in the face of trauma.

Ireland – Kneecap

This gritty drama inspired by the real-life rap trio Kneecap captures the spirit of post-Troubles West Belfast. With an Irish-speaking role by Michael Fassbender, it’s a look at identity, culture, and resilience in Northern Ireland. The film is directed by Rich Peppiatt, best known for films Kneecap and One Rogue Reporter.

Israel – Come Closer

Following the death of her brother, a young woman becomes obsessed with his secret girlfriend, setting off a journey of grief and obsession. Director Tom Nesher’s personal experiences lend authenticity to this moving story of love and loss.

Italy – Vermiglio

Set in the Italian Alps in 1944, this period drama follows a Sicilian deserter who impacts a local teacher and her family. This Maura Delpero directed film captures the beauty and isolation of the Alps and the wartime challenges that bring personal choices into sharp focus.

Japan – Cloud

This psychological thriller about a factory worker tangled in illegal reselling highlights Japanese society’s structure and the quest for freedom.  Kiyoshi Kurosawa has helped build the reputation of Japan's already acclaimed horror genre with his signature dark, visceral aesthetic, filmmaker. In Cloud, Kurosawa brings suspense and intensity to this tale of personal reinvention.

Jordan – My Sweet Land

Directed by Sareen Hairabedian, this documentary follows 11-year-old Vrej as he returns to his homeland in Nagorno-Karabakh, devastated by conflict. The film powerfully examines the realities of childhood against a backdrop of displacement and cultural identity.

Kazakhstan – Bauryna Salu

A young boy raised by his grandmother under an ancient nomadic tradition reunites with his parents for the first time, confronting adolescence and the challenges of family.  In this coming-of-age tale Askhat Kuchinchirekov presents reflective look at Kazakh customs and youth.

Kenya – Nawi

Directors Vallentine Chelluget & Apuu Mourine’s take on a young girl’s fight against her father’s decision to marry her off in rural Turkana, Nawi tackles the cultural struggle against child marriage, with striking authenticity rooted in Kenyan experiences.

Kyrgyzstan – Heaven is Beneath Mother’s Feet

In this heartfelt journey, a mentally challenged man believes that if he takes his mother to Mecca, they will be blessed. Director Ruslan Akun’s emotional tale reveals the deep bond between mother and son in Kyrgyz culture.

Latvia – Flow

A beautifully animated film directed by Gints Zilbalodis, Flow tells the story of a cat whose flooded home sets him on an epic journey with a team of animals. This adventure received acclaim at Cannes, showcasing Latvia’s emerging talent in animation.

Lebanon – Arzé

A single mother’s scooter is stolen, jeopardizing her home-cooked pizza delivery business. Mira Shaib’s Arzé is an ode to Beirut, capturing the resilience of a mother and her son against the backdrop of ongoing regional tensions.

Lithuania - Drowning Dry

In Drowning Dry, director Laurynas Bareiša captures the emotional upheaval of two sisters whose family weekend turns tragic, altering their lives forever. This film, which won accolades at Locarno, is an unfiltered look at grief, resilience, and the complicated fabric of family ties.

Malaysia – Abang Adik

Director Jing Ong delivers a compelling portrayal of two brothers living in poverty, exploring the delicate balance of loyalty and rivalry in Abang Adik. With award wins at the Far East Film Festival, this powerful drama sheds light on Malaysia’s growing cinematic voice and the socio-economic struggles of its people.

Malta – Castillo

Set against Malta’s turbulent 1980s backdrop, Castillo, directed by Abigail Mallia, follows a woman who uncovers family secrets while investigating her mother’s abandonment and a relative’s mysterious death. Adapted from a widely regarded Maltese novel, this film unearths layers of familial betrayal, resilience, and self-discovery.

Mexico – Sujo

In Sujo, directors Astrid Rondero and Fernanda Valadez delve into the harrowing life of a boy raised in a cartel family who wrestles with identity, violence, and the desire to break free from his inherited path. The film, a Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner, masterfully portrays a story of survival and resilience, navigating the fine line between loyalty and personal redemption.

Mongolia – If Only I Could Hibernate

Director Zoljargal Purevdash’s If Only I Could Hibernate is the first Mongolian film to screen in Cannes’ Official Selection, following a teenager’s struggle to support his siblings in the absence of their mother. Set in Ulaanbaatar’s yurt district, the film portrays the harsh realities of survival and ambition amidst poverty.

Montenegro – Supermarket

Supermarket, directed by Nemanja Bečanović, presents a modern-day twist on Robinson Crusoe, following a man who lives unnoticed in a supermarket until he feels someone watching him. Montenegro’s eleventh submission to the Oscars, this story offers a unique exploration of solitude and urban life.

Morocco – Everybody Loves Touda

In Everybody Loves Touda, director Nabil Ayouch brings Morocco’s traditional Sheikhat, a form of sung poetry performed by women, to the screen. The film follows a young woman’s journey to elevate Sheikhat’s status within modern society, highlighting the intersection of tradition and contemporary challenges.

Nepal – Shambhala

Directed by Min Bahadur Bham, Shambhala explores polyandry within the Nepalese Himalayas as a woman searches for the father of her unborn child. As the first Nepalese film to compete at the Berlinale, Shambhala unveils the complexities of love and family amidst remote mountain traditions.

Netherlands – Memory Lane

Memory Lane, directed by Jelle de Jonge, follows a long-married couple who revisit a cherished road trip, grappling with Maartje’s dementia along the way. The film poignantly captures themes of lasting love and memory, resonating deeply with audiences.

Norway – Armand

In Armand, director Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel explores deep-rooted societal issues in a charged mediation session between two mothers whose sons are entangled in a bullying incident. Premiering at Cannes, this psychological drama delves into the complexities of personal conflict and accountability.

Palestine – From Ground Zero

From Ground Zero, directed by Rashid Masharawi, presents a moving portrayal of life in Gaza through a series of 22 short films by local artists. Capturing resilience and self-expression amid turmoil, Masharawi’s work sheds light on art’s role as a powerful means of survival.

Pakistan – The Glassworker

Director Usman Riaz’s animated feature The Glassworker follows the journey of a father and son’s glass workshop, disrupted by the arrival of an army colonel and his daughter. In this debut, Riaz beautifully explores themes of family, passion, and the enduring power of art in the face of adversity.

Panama – Wake Up Mom

In Wake Up Mom, director Arianne Benedetti presents a gripping thriller of a mother’s relentless search for her missing daughter in a mountain town. This film uncovers dark community secrets and tests the strength of love and determination under extreme circumstances.

Paraguay – The Last

Directed by Sebastián Peña Escobar, The Last follows two scientists as they venture into Paraguay’s fragile Gran Chaco region, confronting deforestation and the urgent need for environmental preservation. The film reflects on humanity’s impact on nature and the critical call for conservation.

Peru – Yana-Wara

Directors Óscar Catacora and Tito Catacora present Yana-Wara, a mystical tale centered on a young girl haunted by visions following gender-based violence. Set in the Andean mountains, this film interweaves spirituality, justice, and the haunting mysticism of Peru’s landscapes.

Philippines – And So It Begins

Director Ramona S. Diaz documents the riveting presidential campaign of lawyer Leni Robredo in And So It Begins. This political documentary reveals the resilience of democracy and social justice in the Philippines, offering a powerful portrait of poverty and determination.

Poland – Under the Volcano

In Under the Volcano, director Damian Kocur captures the harrowing displacement of a Ukrainian family turned refugees during their vacation in Tenerife due to the Russian invasion. Kocur’s film reflects the themes of trauma, resilience, and the search for safety.

Portugal – Grand Tour

Directed by Miguel Gomes, Grand Tour is a sweeping black-and-white epic set in 1918 Burma, following Edward Abbot as he escapes an impending marriage. The film delves into themes of love, self-discovery, and the journey to personal freedom.

Romania – Three Kilometers to the End of the World

In Three Kilometers to the End of the World, director Emanuel Pârvu exposes buried secrets in a quiet village after a young man’s assault. The film reveals societal fractures and generational divides within rural Romania.

Senegal – Dahomey

Director Mati Diop’s Dahomey revisits the story of Senegal’s plundered artifacts, probing national identity and the legacy of colonialism. The documentary captures the enduring impact of cultural heritage and the journey to reclaim it.

Serbia – Russian Consul

In Russian Consul, director Miroslav Lekić crafts a period piece centered on a doctor’s loyalty to a Serbian man in Kosovo, exploring themes of nationalism, belonging, and historical memory within the Yugoslav era.

Singapore – La Luna

Director M. Raihan Halim’s La Luna is a comedic exploration of cultural evolution, following a woman who opens a lingerie shop in a conservative Malaysian village. The film captures humorous cultural clashes and the dynamic shift of tradition.

Slovakia – The Hungarian Dressmaker

Directed by Iveta Grófová, The Hungarian Dressmaker follows a widow’s survival in post-WWII Slovakia as her life is upended by rising nationalism and prejudice, offering a poignant story of resilience amidst societal turbulence.

Slovenia – Family Therapy

In Family Therapy, director Sonja Prosenc presents a dark comedy where a son from a previous relationship disrupts a family’s peaceful life, exposing deep-seated secrets and rivalries in a tale of complex family dynamics.

South Africa – Old Righteous Blues

Director Muneera Sallies brings to life the story of a young man reviving his local choir band after a decades-old feud. Old Righteous Blues resonates with themes of redemption, tradition, and the strength of community.

South Korea – 12.12: The Day

In 12.12: The Day, director Kim Sung-su sets an action thriller during Seoul’s martial law following President Park’s assassination, exploring the tension and chaos of a historic coup in South Korea.

Spain – Saturn Return

Directors Isaki Lacuesta and Pol Rodríguez follow an indie band in 1990s Spain as they grapple with ambition, resilience, and impending collapse or success in Saturn Return, a story of youthful passion and drive.

Sweden – The Last Journey

Directors Filip Hammar and Fredrik Wikingsson depict a retired teacher’s journey through France to rediscover meaning in life. The Last Journey became Sweden’s highest-grossing documentary, offering reflections on memory and love.

Switzerland – Reinas

Director Klaudia Reynicke’s Reinas unfolds in Peru amidst political upheaval, following two sisters as they confront farewells and complex family ties. This poignant family drama is a portrait of resilience and change.

Taiwan – Old FoxIn

Old Fox, director Hsiao Ya-chuan portrays a young boy learning survival skills from a shrewd tycoon, reflecting Taiwan’s unique societal tensions and generational divides in this coming-of-age story.

Tajikistan – Melody

Directed by Behrouz Sebt Rasoul, Melody follows a music teacher who returns to her rural village to capture birdsong, celebrating Tajik life and resilience in a rare cinematic tribute to childhood and tradition.

Thailand – How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies

Director Pat Boonnitipat’s How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies broke Asian box office records with its humorous yet critical take on a young man’s inheritance scheme with his terminally ill grandmother.

Tunisia – Take My Breath

Nada Mezni Hfaiedh’s Take My Breath stars a young seamstress forced to redefine herself when her intersex identity is exposed, challenging social stigmas in a groundbreaking Tunisian drama.

Turkey – Hayat

In Hayat, director Zeki Demirkubuz tells the story of Hicran, a young woman who flees an arranged marriage and finds herself on an odyssey through Istanbul that brings her face-to-face with self-discovery.

UK – Santosh

Director Sandhya Suri’s Santosh follows a newly widowed woman who takes on her late husband’s job in rural Northern India, becoming embroiled in a murder case. This marks the UK’s continued Oscar success.

Ukraine – La PalisiadaSet against Ukraine’s moratorium on the death penalty, director Philip Sotnichenko’s La Palisiada is a crime drama reflecting Ukraine’s justice system and post-Soviet transformation.

Uruguay – There is a Door There

Directors Juan and Facundo Ponce de Leon’s There is a Door There captures the resilience of friendship and acceptance amid illness, blending humor and poignancy in a touching documentary.

Venezuela – Children of Las Brisas

Marianela Maldonado’s Children of Las Brisas follows three Venezuelan children striving to become professional musicians, highlighting the power of music and perseverance within the El Sistema program.

Vietnam – Peach Blossom, Pho and Piano

In Peach Blossom, Pho and Piano, director Phi Tien Son revisits post-colonial Vietnam, following young Viet Minh fighters grappling with love, identity, and independence in Hanoi during the turbulent 1950s.

For cinephiles, the international film category at Oscars is a journey around the world through cinema’s most compelling stories. With each entry, audiences are invited to experience new narratives, empathize with unfamiliar struggles, and see the world through new lenses. As the nominations approach, the anticipation builds for which films will rise to the top and capture the hearts of audiences and critics alike.