"Corpus Christi" by Jan Komasa has been nominated for Oscar in the International Feature Film category. Other movies tapped in this category include South Korean "Parasite" by Bong Joon-ho, and Pedro Almodovar's "Pain and Glory".
In this year's Academy Awards, non-English movies will compete for an Oscar in a category under a new name: Best International Feature Film. The Oscar ceremony will be held on February 9th.
Inspired by true events
Inspired by true events, "Corpus Christi" potrays a story of 20-year-old Daniel (Bartosz Bielenia), who during his time in a youth correctional facility experiences spiritual transformation and secretly dreams about becoming a priest. After a few years inside he is released on parole and referred to work in a joinery. Instead of reporting at the workplace, he goes to a local church and befriends the parish priest.
During the priest's absence, Daniel pretends to be one and begins to chaplaincy service in the town. At first, his evangelistic methods raise controversy among the people, especially in Lidia who keeps care of the parish. In time, however, the teachings and charisma of the false priest begin to resonate in people immersed in despair caused by a local tragedy that had happened a few months earlier.
Meanwhile, Daniel's former colleague from the institution comes to the town, and Lidia's daughter, Marta, begins to question young priest's authenticity ever stronger. All this makes the boy feel the heat is on.
The cast also includes Tomasz Ziętek, Eliza Rycembel, Aleksandra Konieczna, Łukasz Simlat, Barbara Kurzaj, Zdzisław Wardejn and Leszek Lichota.
Tough competition
Jan Komasa's movie will be facing tough competition at the Oscar ceremony. Apart from the Polish picture, the following films have been nominated: "Parasite" by Bong Joon-ho, "Pain and Glory" by Pedro Almodovar, "Les Miserables" by Ladja Ly, "Honeyland" by Tamara Kotevska and Ljubomir Stefanov.
"Parasite", that has already won Palm d'Or in Cannes and a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language, was also nominated in three other categories: Best Picture, Best Director and Best Production Design. "Honeyland" also stands a chance to win an Oscar in Best Documentary Feature.
"Totally euphoric"
After the movie was nominated the producer of "Corpus Christi" Aneta Hickinbotham told TVN24 that it was "a fifty-fifty chance". "We knew we had a strong movie, but the competition was also tough. I'm not hiding that we're totally euphoric and thrilled. For the last few weeks we've been very stressed," she said.
She added that the story was portrayed in such a way that it could have had happened anywhere. In Poland, Italy, France or the United States.
"Warm reception of the movie in Venice reassured us that people understand it. We didn't make a movie addressed only to our society, but rather explored a strong and universal subject, which is understood everywhere," the producer said.
Autor: gf / Źródło: TVN24 News in English, PAP
Źródło zdjęcia głównego: Foto: Andrzej Wencel \ Aurum Film\ Kino Świat