The film that will represent Ukraine at Oscars 2025 has been named: hardcore 90s, nostalgia, and a murder story. Trailer

Philip Sotnychenko's film La Palisiada about the hardcore 90s will represent Ukraine at the 97th Academy Awards. It will compete among films from other countries for the nomination for Best International Feature Film.

The announcement was made by the Ukrainian Film Academy on Facebook on September 9. "The members of the Committee reviewed the submitted films in detail, the discussion was heated and constructive. As a result of the voting, the film La Palisiada was chosen as a contender. We wish the representative success in the Oscar race!" commented Dmytro Sukholytkyi-Sobchuk, Head of the Ukrainian Oscar Committee.

It will be known whether La Palisiada will be included in the list of nominees on January 17, 2025, and the subsequent Oscar 2025 ceremony will take place on March 2.

What is La Palisiada by Philip Sotnychenko about?

The plot of the film takes place in Ukraine in 1996, shortly before the death penalty was banned and at a time when the country was transitioning from the Soviet system to independence. Two friends, a detective and a forensic psychiatrist, investigate the murder of a police officer. The story turns out to be confusing, and the widow of the deceased adds fuel to the fire, alerting the police.

The film focuses on a case involving the death penalty. The film explores the psychological state of those involved in the criminal case, including investigators, prosecutors and defense lawyers. The central storyline concerns the investigation of a murder that took place against the backdrop of political and social instability at the time.

Against this personal drama, a complex picture of social change unfolds: Ukraine is beginning to reform, the legislative system is changing, and the Soviet mentality is still deeply rooted in society.

The detective was created in the style of post-Soviet noir, with a touch of pessimism and distrust. Nevertheless, the director managed to add family values and a bit of humor to the depressive state of the characters, although ironically.

Who else competed for the opportunity to represent Ukraine

Four films were selected to compete:

• Slovo House. Unfinished Novel, directed by Taras Tomenko
• La Palisiada, directed by Philip Sotnychenko
• We Were Recruits, directed by Lubomyr Levytskyi
• Peaceful People, directed by Oksana Karpovych

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