Following the rejection of their first submission, 14 Days 12 Nights by director Jean-Philippe Duval, to will now represent Canada in the race for Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony, taking place on April 25, 2021.
“The 2020 year has definitely had its share of upheavals, surprises and challenges. Yet one thing is certain, there is no shortage of quality Canadian films, as clearly attested by 14 Days 12 Nights. We are convinced that the members of the Academy will be won over by this superb film. Let’s join together to celebrate this exciting achievement!” said Christa Dickenson, Executive Director of Telefilm Canada.
“That 14 Days 12 Nights is in the race for the Oscars is a great honor not only for me and the whole team, but also a unique opportunity to bring the values of peace and reconciliation to the widest possible audience. The bruises of war wound the human in its flesh, and to know this film is recognized as a privileged means of bringing hope makes me proud of our strong and unified national cinema” said director Jean-Philippe Duval.
In 14 Days 12 Nights, Isabelle Brodeur embarks on a journey to Vietnam, her adopted daughter’s birthplace. Her path leads her to the woman who was once her daughter’s nanny. Doing so, Isabelle learns the existence and whereabouts of her daughter’s biological mother. Throughout this stunningly beautiful journey, Isabelle discovers her daughter’s country through the eyes of the woman who brought her into this world. This pilgrimage of sorts, leads the two women to unveil their innermost secrets.
14 Days 12 Nights examines the influence of culture, identity, forgiveness, and the extraordinary friendship between two women, cemented by the mutual love they share for the same child.
Canada’s first submission, Funny Boy was rejected by The Academy because the film did not meet the Academy’s eligibility requirements for the International Feature Film category due to the amount of English dialogue in the film.