The National Center for Cinema and Image in Tunisia has announced the selection of the film "Fatma's Daughters," directed by Kouther Ben Hania, to compete for the Oscar for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards. Each country can nominate one film annually to represent them in this category, which is designated for films produced outside the United States and not in the English language.
The center stated in a press release that a specialized selection committee of six members determined that the film "meets all the eligibility criteria as stated in the nomination rules published by the Academy Awards." This is the second time Tunisia has nominated a film by Kouther Ben Hania for an Oscar, following "The Man Who Sold His Skin" in 2021, which made it to the shortlist but did not win.
The director expressed her pride on her personal Facebook page, stating, "I am very proud that my film will represent Tunisia at the 2024 Oscars,” adding that the film will compete in "two categories: Best International Feature Film and Best Documentary." The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will accept film nominations until mid-November, before announcing the preliminary list in December and the shortlist in January. The Oscars ceremony will take place on March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, broadcast live to millions of viewers.
