Syria Picks 'The Other Side of the Sun' for International Oscar
Syria has chosen Tawfik Sabouni's documentary as its best international feature submission, and Icarus Films has acquired its U.S. rights.
Syria has selected "The Other Side of the Sun" as its submission for the best international feature film category at the 99th Academy Awards. The documentary is directed by Tawfik Sabouni, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Andana Films, which handles worldwide sales for the film, announced that Icarus Films has acquired U.S. rights to "The Other Side of the Sun." The selection was made by Syria's newly formed committee accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Awards timeline
The Academy will announce the 15-film best international feature shortlist on December 15. The five nominees in the category will be announced on January 21, 2027, and the 99th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 14, 2027.
"The Other Side of the Sun" premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. Syria had not submitted an entry for the international Oscar since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, and the country has never been nominated in the category.
Sabouni was previously imprisoned at Saydnaya Prison and returned there with four fellow survivors for the film.
Quick answers
Which film did Syria submit for the best international feature Oscar?
Syria selected "The Other Side of the Sun," directed by Tawfik Sabouni, as its submission for the best international feature film category at the 99th Academy Awards.
When will the 99th Academy Awards take place?
The 99th Academy Awards ceremony is set for March 14, 2027. The 15-film best international feature shortlist will be announced on December 15, and the five nominees on January 21, 2027.
Who acquired U.S. rights to "The Other Side of the Sun"?
Icarus Films acquired U.S. rights to the documentary, as announced by Andana Films, which handles worldwide sales for the film.