If you are an Iraqi director or producer and have made a film over 40 minutes – narrative, documentary, or animation – and have released your film commercially between 1 November 2023, and no later than 30 September 2024, for at least seven consecutive days in a commercial theater, you can submit your film for consideration for the 97th Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Creative control of the film must have been largely in the hands of citizens or residents of Iraq. The film must be advertised during its qualifying theatrical release in a manner considered normal and customary to theatrical feature distribution practices.
An independent Selection Committee – established by the Department of Cinema and Theater – will look into the submitted films that have to fit the eligibility criteria set by the Academy for the International Feature Film Award.
Please check Rule 15 and Rule 2 for more details and criteria:
[Academy Rules](https://www.oscars.org/sites/oscars/files/2024-04/97_international_feature_rules.pdf)
To submit your film for consideration by the Selection Committee, please send an email with a private viewing link of the film to: info@cinemamasrah.gov.iq with the subject title: “Submission for consideration to the Academy Awards”.
Please submit the viewing link by email before 25 July 2024.
Guidelines for Formation and Operation of the Selection Committee for Iraq's International Feature Film Nomination:
Committee Formation:
The Managing Director of the Iraqi Cinema & Theatre Department, appoints a Selection Committee and a Chairperson comprising industry professionals from diverse backgrounds, including directors, producers, writers, and critics.
Meeting Schedule:
The Chairperson schedules and convenes two committee meetings for film evaluation.
Evaluation Criteria:
Committee Members, in collaboration with the Chairperson, establish criteria for evaluating submitted films based on the International Feature Film Rules and Submission Checklist.
Film Assessment:
The Committee assesses films to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set by the Academy for the International Feature Film Award.
Official Nomination Selection:
The Committee selects one film as Iraq's official submission. If only one film is submitted, it is evaluated per the International Feature Film Rules.
Confidentiality:
All discussions and deliberations within the Committee are confidential.
Conflict of Interest:
Members must disclose any personal or financial connections to submitted films to avoid conflicts of interest.
Scoring System:
A standardized scoring system is used to ensure objective assessment of films.
Appeals Process:
A transparent procedure allows filmmakers to appeal the Committee's decision for a fair re-evaluation.
Film Accessibility:
Arrangements for secure and private viewing platforms for submitted films are specified.
Timeline:
Clear deadlines are set for each stage of the selection process, from submissions to the final nomination announcement.
Disqualification Criteria:
Circumstances for film disqualification, such as non-compliance with submission requirements, are clearly outlined.
Documentation Retention:
Guidelines are established for retaining all documents related to the selection process.
Public Communication:
Define how and when the official nomination will be announced to the public.
Feedback and Evaluation:
Encourage feedback from committee members for process improvement in future cycles.
Acknowledgment:
Recognize and appreciate the contributions of committee members.
