Angelina Jolie's 'First They Killed My Father' Officially Enters Oscar Race for Best Foreign Film
Cambodia picks Angelina Jolie's Netflix movie "First They Killed My Father" as its official entry to the Oscars. The film will be submitted for consideration under the Best Foreign Film category for the 90th Academy Awards which will be bestowed in February 2018.
The Cambodia Oscar Selection Committee picked the movie that's based on human rights activist Loung Ung's life under the Khmer Rouge. In 2000, Ung first published her experiences as a child growing up during the turbulent regime and she collaborated with Jolie to turn her book into a film.
Netflix financed "First They Killed My Father" with Cambodian author Rithy Panh as co-producer. Pahn was nominated for an Oscar before. The movie also featured an ensemble of local cast and crew members led by child actor Sareum Srey Moch.
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This is Jolie's fourth film as a director, which has been described as her passion project. The Khmer Times cited the film for showcasing the beauty of Cambodia and its people amid the story's horrific theme. It noted that thousands of Cambodian artisans and technicians helped put the film together.
"This means a great deal to all of us involved in making the film," Jolie, who has dual U.S. and Cambodian citizenship, said in press releases. "To work with local artists to bring this story forward has been a moving and humbling experience."
Ung also acknowledged the selection committee for choosing her film. She said that while the story of "First They Killed My Father" was personally about her, millions of Cambodians share the same experiences and sentiments.
"We are very proud to be representing Cambodia as this year's selection and share this moment with the country," Ung said.
"First They Killed My Father" received mostly positive reviews since it has been showcased at film festivals. The movie officially premiered in Cambodia on Sept. 8.
Meanwhile, viewers in the U.S. can catch the movie through streaming on Netflix. The platform released the film last Sept. 15.
