The portal IndieWire has revealed the 15 best international feature films, which may be nominated for an Oscar. The list includes the film "Beginning" by Georgian director Dea Kulumbegashvili.
The Oscar nominees will be announced on February 9.
"Beginning" is Dea Kulumbegashvili's debut full-length work. The film was among the official selection of the Cannes International Film Festival in 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the film festival was not held in the traditional way, although the "Beginning" was later shown in Cannes as part of its special edition.
The North American premiere of "Beginning" took place at the Toronto International Film Festival, where the film was awarded the International Federation of Film Critics Award (FIPRESCI). The world premiere of the film took place at the San Sebastian International Film Festival. At San Sebastian, the film won four awards: the main prize of the festival "Golden Shell," the Best Director Award (Dea Kulumbegashvili), the Best Actress Award (Ia Sukhitashvili), and the Special Jury Prize for Best Screenplay (Dea Kulumbegashvili, Rati Oneli).
"Beginning" was shot in Lagodekhi municipality - in Lagodekhi and surrounding villages. The film was created with the support of the National Film Center.
