'The Heart is a Muscle' heads to the Oscars
A STORY OF HEALING AND FORGIVENESS
"The Heart is a Muscle" has been selected as the country's official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.
Image: Supplied / Indigenous Film Distribution
Imran Hamdulay's feature debut The Heart is a Muscle has been selected as the country's official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.
This prestigious recognition is a testament to the film's universal themes and its ability to resonate with audiences worldwide.
The Heart is a Muscle explores the complex bonds between fathers and sons, delving into the intricacies of inter-generational healing and forgiveness. Set against the backdrop of South Africa's Cape Flats neighbourhood, the film tells a story that is both deeply rooted in its community and universally relatable. Through its narrative, the film sheds light on the struggles of confronting inherited memories and the slow process of forgiveness, ultimately offering a powerful exploration of reconciliation and belonging.
Premiering to critical acclaim at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, The Heart is a Muscle took home the Panorama Ecumenical Jury Prize, solidifying its position as one of the year's standout world-cinema titles. The film continues to make waves on the festival circuit, with upcoming screenings at the Cairo International Film Festival, among others.
South Africa has a rich history of excellence in the Best International Feature Film category, with notable submissions including Gavin Hood's Oscar-winning "Tsotsi" and Darrel Roodt's Oscar-nominated drama "Yesterday." The Heart is a Muscle joins this esteemed lineage, reaffirming the nation's place in the global cinema conversation.
The film's success is a result of the collaborative efforts of its talented team, including producers Adam Thal, Khosie Dali, Brett Michael Innes, and Lesley-Ann Brandt. Key backing from the National Film Festival, the Red Sea Fund, and South Africa's Indigenous Film Distribution and Development has been instrumental in bringing The Heart is a Muscle to the global stage. With French sales agent MMM Film Sales at the helm, the film is poised for international success.
"I'm just so thrilled to have it as South Africa's entry at the Academy Awards this year," Imran Hamdulay said, reflecting on the film's selection. The film's recognition is a testament to Hamdulay's dedication to telling stories that matter, and its impact will undoubtedly be felt far beyond the Oscars.
View trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Uiga0Nd7t4