“Antigone” just made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it claimed the Best Canadian Feature Film prize. Now it could be headed to the Oscars. A press release announced that Canada has added Sophie Deraspe’s adaptation of the classic Greek tragedy of the same name to the Oscar race in the Best International Feature Film category.
Penned by Deraspe, “Antigone” is a family drama that centers on siblings who immigrate to Montreal when their parents are murdered. Nahéma Ricci plays the titular role. “In helping her brother escape from prison, Antigone defies the authorities: the police, the judiciary, the penal system, and the father of her friend Haemon,” the film’s synopsis details. “Brilliant and, until now, blameless, the teenage girl feels the grip of power tightening around her. But she rejects the law of man and follows her own sense of justice, dictated by love and loyalty.”
“We are extremely proud of the caliber and quality of the 16 films submitted to the Selection Committee this year, and equally proud to say that nine of them were directed or co-directed by women,” said Christa Dickenson, Executive Director of Telefilm Canada. “Our priority now is to celebrate and encourage the team behind ‘Antigone’ as they begin the exciting race for the Best International Feature Film Oscar. This is a unique opportunity to showcase Canadian talent on the international stage, and we are delighted to be providing support as a frontline partner in this great adventure.”
Deraspe added, “Bringing ‘Antigone’ to the Oscar race is not only a huge honor, it’s also a way for me to highlight the values of empathy, artistry, and integrity, which Canadian films exemplify so well.”
“Go for it. Trust yourself,” Deraspe urged when we asked her advice for other women directors. “Work hard. It is possible, even while pursuing other life goals, like having a family. Surround yourself with positive people.” “A Gay Girl in Damascus: The Amina Profile” and “Vital Signs” are among her previous credits.
Other women-directed films submitted for Best International Feature Film category at the 2020 Oscars include Maryam Touzani’s “Adam,” a drama about two women who transform one another’s lives, and Antonella Sudasassi’s “The Awakening of the Ants,” the story of a seamstress under pressure to give birth to a son. The former is repping Morocco and the latter Costa Rica.
