Samir’s 3D documentary submitted to the Academy Awards for Best Foreign-Language Film.

Iraqi Odyssey

Iraqi Odyssey has been selected to represent Switzerland as the official submission for the 88th Academy Awards for the Best Foreign-Language Film.

The 3D documentary is from Iraqi expatriate film-maker Samir and traces the migrations of his family over more than half a century.

Swiss director Samir, born in Baghdad in 1955, said of the decision: “It sets a courageous example, representing an open-minded Switzerland among the Oscar contenders.”

Iraqi Odyssey, which is close to three hours in length, premiered at Toronto 2014 and was screened at the Berlinale in the Panorama section in February.

The Swiss film, coproduced with Germany, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, will be released in Germany on Sept 24 through NFP and in Austria in mid-Oct through Polyfilm.

Autlook Filmsales handles world sales.

The announcement of the five foreign-language films nominated for the Oscar is made on Jan 14, 2016.

The 88th Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Feb 28, 2016.