A DOCUMENTARY film directed by a filmmaker from Powys has been selected as the British entry for Best International Feature and Best Documentary at the 2022 Oscars.
Chloe Fairweather’s film, titled ‘Dying to Divorce’, has entered into the Academy Awards race as it was chosen as the UK’s official submission for the Academy Award for Best International feature, and may also be in consideration for Best Documentary Feature.
Originally from Abermule, the BAFTA nominated director spent five years in Turkey filming ‘Dying to Divorce’. It proved to be a tumultuous shoot, with a portion of filming taking place within Turkey’s political coup in 2016 and Chloe giving birth during the production.
Described as “a compelling and shocking film”, ‘Dying to Divorce’ investigates the high levels of femicide and domestic violence within the country. The documentary follows lawyer Ipek Bozkurt, as she battles to get justice for two survivors of domestic violence.
Turkey has reported some of the highest proportions of domestic violence among economically developed countries worldwide. It’s government and legal system are considered repressive in regards to issues of domestic assault.
In a statement, director Chloe and producer Sinead Kirwan said: “We are honoured to represent the UK for Best International Film at this year’s Oscars. After five years of numerous challenges, we are so proud that the creative team and more importantly the amazing women involved in the campaign work in Turkey are getting this international recognition.”
The Academy Award for Best international Film is handed out to a film produced outside of the United States that contains primarily non-English dialogue. The UK has annually submitted films for consideration since 1991, with last year’s entry being the drama ‘The Boy Who harnessed the Wind’, directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Amongst the list of submissions competing for nomination with ‘Dying to Divorce’ are international hits such as Cannes’ Palm d’or winning ‘Titane’ from France and critically acclaimed Japanese drama ‘Drive My Car’.
Notable previous winners of the Best International feature Oscar include South Korean thriller ‘Parasite’, which went on to win the Oscar for Best Picture, becoming the first non-English language film to do so.
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