Blancanieves entered into Oscar race for Spain

Blancanieves has been selected by the Spanish Cinema Academy as the national contender for consideration in the Academy Awards’ Best Foreign Language Film category. Pablo Berger’s film received a standing ovation this week at the San Sebastian Film Festival, where it is fighting for the Golden Shell. 

The Artist and The Model, a black and white film by Fernando Trueba, set in occupied France in the 40s, and Unit 7, an action thriller by Alberto Rodríguez about a police force in 90s Seville, were also in contention to be the Spanish entry.

Blancanieves is a mute, black and white film that received a warm reception in Toronto where it had its world premiere. The classic fable is set in a mythical Andalusia with bullfighters and flamenco. Critics have praised its originality and depth of emotion. 

Maribel Verdú (Y tú mamá también), newcomer Macarena García (a popular TV star in Spain), Daniel Gimenez Cacho and Angela Molina lead the cast. The film is produced by Nix Films (Blackthorn), Sisifo Films, Thekraken Films, Arcadia Motion Pictures and French companies ARTE France Cinema, Noodles Production and u-film. 

Sales of the film are handled by Dreamcatchers and it has already been sold to France’s Rezo Films. Further international sales will be announced next week, with a big announcement expected.