Nepali Filmmakers Demand Fairness in Oscar Submission Process

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A coalition of prominent filmmakers from Nepal has formally contested the selection of ‘Anjila’ as the country’s representative for the Oscars. They allege that the selection process was compromised by conflicts of interest and procedural irregularities, prompting concerns about its integrity.

In response, the film’s director, Milan Chams, claims that rival filmmakers sought to undermine his work through substantial bribes.

‘Anjila’ tells the inspiring story of Anjila Tumbapo Subba, the captain and goalkeeper of Nepal’s national women’s soccer team. Subba portrays herself in this poignant narrative, which illuminates her struggles against societal norms while pursuing her dreams in sports.

Allegations and counterclaims

Chams has dismissed the complaints as arising from personal grievances. He claims that Samundra Bhatta, director of the competing film ‘Gunyo Cholo’, offered up to $100,000 to have ‘Anjila’ withdrawn from consideration. According to Chams, Bhatta believed her film would be selected due to her connections with the Academy, expressing her shock at the final decision.

Selection process under scrutiny

The controversy escalated after Nepal’s Oscar selection committee announced on September 5 that ‘Anjila’ would represent the country in the International Feature Film category. Critics assert that the selection window was unduly shortened to nine days during a national crisis, which included curfews and the resignation of the Prime Minister, limiting participation from many filmmakers.

A formal complaint highlights significant conflicts of interest, noting that Jeevan Kumar Parajuli served dual roles as both a voting committee member and the media coordinator for ‘Anjila’. This situation raises ethical questions regarding the fairness of the selection process.

Call for transparency

Filmmakers are advocating for a more transparent process, emphasizing the need for a publicly announced call for entries rather than a closed selection process. Ram Krishna Pokharel expressed his frustration on social media, criticizing the committee for practices he views as unfair and detrimental to the interests of Nepali filmmakers.

Demands for a new selection process

Filmmakers such as Deepak Rauniyar and Binod Paudel have submitted a letter to the Academy demanding a thorough investigation into the selection process. They threaten to jeopardize Nepal’s chances at the Oscars if their concerns are not addressed.

The Academy’s regulations for the Oscars dictate that all submissions must be finalized by October 1 at 5 p.m. PT, after which entries undergo eligibility checks. The International Feature Film Executive Committee oversees any disputes regarding eligibility based on established guidelines.

It is crucial to note that the Academy does not dictate how each country conducts its selection process. If a country’s approved committee adheres to the necessary criteria, its selection is considered valid.

Impact on Nepali cinema

The ramifications of this controversy extend beyond the current Oscar submission. Rauniyar’s film ‘Pooja, Sir’ has received acclaim at international film festivals, including Venice, while Bhatta’s ‘Gunyo Cholo’ explores themes of transgender identity in Nepal. Paudel’s ‘Bhutan – The World’s Happiest Man’ features seasoned Nepali actors alongside Hollywood star Bruce Dern.