Nepali film Basain to compete for Oscars

The Nepali film based on a novel by Lil Bahadur Chhetri is set to represent Nepal in the upcoming Oscars awards.

Basain, or migration of Subash Gajurel has been filed for competition under the category of best foreign language film, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences states in its site.

Nepal submitted Gajurel's Basain, based on the novel Basain, last year, but the film apparently opened too late in 2005 to qualify for that year's Academy Awards. Foreign-language films must be released in their home country between October 1 of the previous year and September 31 of the current year in order to be eligible for the awards. As a result, Basain is back in Oscar business in 2006.

Nepal has entered Basain to represent the country for the 79th Annual Academy Awards, which airs in March. Basain explores social problems associated with migration while focusing on the story of a villager who has to leave due to debt issues. Ranju Lamichhane plays the leading role of Jhuma. Mithila Sharma plays Maina, Ganesh Upreti plays Dhane and Uttam Pradhan plays Rikute. Director Subash Gajurel, whose previous film credits include 2001's Maya Baiguni, helms the film.

The film was screened before the academy officials in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The final nomination for best foreign language film will be decided on January 23. All together, 63 films have been included in this category.

The 79th Annual Academy Awards will be held on February 25. nepalnews.com ia Jan 05 07