Five Arab countries have submitted their films for the Best International Feature category at the 99th Academy Awards, offering a slate that spans war, labour exploitation, family drama, mental health crises and survival amid humanitarian upheaval.
Iraq is represented by Halkawt Mustafa's "No Paradise If You Are Killed by a Woman." Morocco entered Laila Marrakchi's "La Mas Dulce" (Strawberries); the country's selection committee unanimously chose the film on September 2, citing its "subject, technical and artistic qualities, as well as distribution prospects."
Palestine submitted Ahmed Hassouna's "Citizen Osama," while Egypt put forward Abu Bakr Shawky's "The Stories." Jordan rounded out the regional list with Zain Duraie's "Sink."
Under the Academy's official calendar, submissions close on September 30. A shortlist of 15 films will be announced on December 15, with the five finalist nominees revealed on January 21, 2027. The 99th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 14, 2027.
Together, the five entries underline how Arab cinema continues to push distinctly regional stories — from the toll of war to intimate family narratives — onto the world stage, aiming for a real shot at the Oscar shortlist this year.