14 Days 12 Nights by writer Marie Vien and director Jean-Philippe Duval to represent Canada in the race for Best International Feature Film at the 2021 Oscars

Montreal, December 19, 2020—Following yesterday’s announcement, Telefilm Canada confirms that 14 Days 12 Nights by director Jean-Philippe Duval, an original idea and screenplay by Marie Vien and by producer Antonello Cozzolino will represent Canada in the race for Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony, taking place on April 25, 2021. Distributed in Canada by Les Films Séville, a subsidiary of eOne, and internationally by WaZabi Films, 14 Days 12 Nights is available on video on demand with English subtitles.

“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 honour 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.

Synopsis
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.

About Jean-Philippe Duval
Since 2012, Jean-Philippe Duval has directed the successful series Unité 9 on Radio-Canada. Written by Danielle Trottier and produced by Aetios, this program marked a return to television directing for Duval, earning him the Gemini Award for Best Director of an Annual Dramatic Series in 2015, 2016 and 2018. In addition, he directed the series Ni plus ni moi written by Sylvie Bouchard and broadcast on Série+ as well as the four seasons of the television show États Humains. He also created, co-directed and co-produced the television series Martin sur la route with the colorful chef of Le Pied de Cochon, Martin Picard (series nominated several times for a Gemini award). He has several documentaries to his credit including La vie a du charme, Lumière des oiseaux, (nominated for Best Documentary at the Jutra Awards and Gemini Award for Best Cinematography), Les réfugiés de la planète bleue (winner of numerous international awards), L’Odyssée Baroque, École de danse and Marché Jean-Talon (Gemini Award for Best Documentary Series). On the film side, Jean-Philippe Duval wrote and directed the feature film Dédé, à travers les brumes, about the life and work of the singer of Les Colocs, André Dédé Fortin. He also co-wrote with Alexis Martin and directed Matroni et moi, an adaptation of the eponymous play, noted for its original and comic book form.

As of today, 91 countries have submitted their nominations for the Best International Feature Film, including the Côte d’Ivoire-Senegal-France-Canada La nuit des Rois by Philippe Lacôte, presented by la Côté d’Ivoire. Last year, 93 countries contended.

Canada in the Best International Feature Film (formerly Best Foreign Language Film) category at the Oscars
In the history of the Oscars, eight Canadian films have been official nominees in the Best Foreign Language Film category: in 2013, War Witch by Kim Nguyen; in 2012, Monsieur Lazhar by Philippe Falardeau and In Darkness by Agnieszka Holland (a minority coproduction with Poland and Germany); in 2011, Incendies by Denis Villeneuve; and, in 2007, Water by Deepa Mehta. The list also includes three films by Denys Arcand: The Decline of the American Empire in 1987, Jesus of Montreal in 1990 and, in 2004, The Barbarian Invasions, the only Canadian film to have won the Oscar in this category.

Selection process for Canada’s Best International Feature Film entry
Telefilm Canada coordinates and chairs the pan-Canadian Selection Committee, without voting right. The committee comprises some 20 members representing key government agencies and national film industry associations. It is responsible for choosing the film that will represent Canada at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which accepts only one film per country for the Best International Feature Film category. Submitted films must have been produced outside the United States in a language other than English and must have been theatrically exhibited in the submitting country for at least seven consecutive days between October 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. A shortlist of 10 films will be unveiled on February 9, 2021, and the chosen five official nominees will be announced on March 15, 2021.

The unprecedented coronavirus/COVID-19 global pandemic mandated the closure of commercial motion picture theatres worldwide. Until further notice and for the 93rd Awards year only, country selected films that had a previously planned theatrical release but are initially made available through a reputable commercial streaming distribution service or video on demand may qualify for awards consideration in the International Feature category for the 93rd Academy Awards.

For further information on Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences rules. 

About Telefilm Canada
Telefilm is dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry. Through funding and promotion programs, Telefilm supports dynamic companies and creative talent at home and around the world. Telefilm also makes recommendations regarding the certification of audiovisual treaty coproductions to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and administers the programs of the Canada Media Fund. Launched in 2012, the Talent Fund raises private donations to principally support emerging talent. Visit telefilm.ca and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/telefilm_canada and on Facebook at facebook.com/telefilmcanada.

Media contacts:

Joyce Richards
Advisor, Public Relations – English Market
Telefilm Canada
647-475-4903
joyce.richards@telefilm.ca

Sophie Bilodeau
Director, Communications
Les Films Séville
514-978-3890
sbilodeau@filmsseville.com