More great news for May el-Toukhy. Less than a week ago she signed on to helm “The Lioness,” a biopic about “Out of Africa” writer Karen Blixen, and now word comes that she’s joining the Oscar race. Variety reports that Denmark has submitted el-Toukhy’s “Queen of Hearts” for consideration in the International Feature Film category at the 2020 Academy Awards.
Written by el-Toukhy and Maren Louise Käehne, “Queen of Hearts” tells the story of a lawyer who jeopardizes her career and family by having an affair with her teenage stepson. Trine Dyrholm (“In a Better World”) stars.
“I set out to tell a story about a family secret,” el-Toukhy told us. “I wanted to explore power structures within a family setting, and to investigate the responsibilities that come with being powerful.”
“Queen of Hearts” made its world premiere at Sundance, where it took home the Audience Award in the World Cinema – Dramatic category. Its since gone to to win honors such as Best Direction at Transilvania International Film Festival and Best Nordic Film at Göteborg Film Festival.
“A story of power, passion, and denial, ‘Queen of Hearts’ offers a startling new perspective on current discussions,” said Claus Ladegaard, CEO of the Danish Film Institute who chairs the Danish selection committee. “With a superior grasp of cinematic language, director May el-Toukhy and screenwriter Maren Louise Käehne have created an uncompromising, engaging drama resonating with international audiences and critics alike, as evidenced by the film winning the coveted Audience Award at Sundance.”
Breaking Glass Pictures is releasing “Queen of Hearts” in the U.S. No word on a release date just yet.
El-Toukhy’s other credits include “White Man’s Burden” and “Long Story Short.”
Other women-directed films in the running for the International Feature Film Oscar include Sophie Deraspe’s “Antigone,” a family drama that centers on siblings who immigrate to Montreal when their parents are murdered, and Lila Avilés’ “The Chambermaid,” a portrait of a maid working in a luxurious hotel in Mexico City. The former is representing Canada and the latter Mexico.
Oscar nominations will be announced January 22 and the ceremony is being held February 9.
