The Pakistani Academy Selection Committee has selected ‘Zinda Bhaag‘ as the first Pakistani film in over fifty years to be submitted for Oscar consideration in the ‘Foreign Language Film Award’ category at the 86th Academy Awards. A total of four films were submitted to the committee for consideration including Chambeli, Josh and Lamha (Seedlings) in addition to Zinda Bhaag. The movie was selected by way of a secret ballot and was the overwhelming film of choice of the Committee members. As per standard practice, films selected by each individual country’s Academy selection committee are submitted to the Academy for screening, shortlisting and voting with official Oscar nominees announced at a later date.
The year 2013 is turning out to be really promising one for the local film-making industry as we are finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. Right now the big news is that Pakistan will be formally sending its entry to the Oscar’s foreign-language category and that too after a huge gap of 50 years.