In a recent announcement, the Film Federation of India revealed that the Malayalam survival drama ‘2018’, also known as ‘2018: Everyone is a Hero’, has been chosen as India’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the upcoming 96th Academy Awards, set to take place next year.
Directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, the film features a notable cast including Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Aparna Balamurali, Kalaiyarasan, Narain, Lal, Indrans, Aju Varghese, Tanvi Ram, Sshivada, and Gauthami Nair.‘2018’ delves into the harrowing story of the severe floods that ravaged Kerala in August 2018, considered to be the worst flood the state had faced in a century. The disaster claimed over 400 lives and displaced nearly a million people.
The selection committee, headed by noted filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli, commended the film for its relevant theme addressing climate change and societal development. The committee screened various shortlisted films and chose ‘2018’ from a list of 22 contenders, including films from different Indian languages.This recognition reflects the film’s impactful portrayal of a critical event in Kerala’s recent history and its thoughtful exploration of the human aspect during times of calamity. As the journey to the Oscars begins, film enthusiasts eagerly await the international reception of this powerful Malayalam drama.
