Germany has submitted its entry for best foreign language film in the Academy Awards race. An independent nine-person jury appointed by German Films made the decision, which was announced by jury representative Dagmar Hirtz in Munich last week. The film, entitled Labyrinth of Lies (original title Im Labyrinth des Schweigens) was directed by Giulio Ricciarelli in his debut feature, from a screenplay he co-wrote with Elisabeth Bartel and Amelie Syberberg.
The film is based on the true story of a young public prosecutor in the 1950s, Johann Radmann, who exposed the full story behind the World War II mass killings by the Nazis at Auschwitz, along with the conspiracy of German institutions and government branches who attempted to cover up the atrocities. Germany’s Alexander Fehling (Inglorious Basterds) won the Best Actor Bavarian Film Award for his portrayal of Radmann.
The German film had its world premiere at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival. Sony Pictures Classics will be handling the U.S. distribution and is planning a theatrical release on September 30, 2015.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will nominate five films for Best Foreign Language Film. Oscar nominees are expected to be announced on January 14, 2016. The Academy Awards ceremony will be held on February 28, 2016.
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