Greece Chooses ‘Murderess’ for International Feature Oscar Race After Scandal-Plagued Selection Process

As a seasoned film critic with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that this year’s Greek Oscar selection process has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. The scandal-plagued month that unfolded was a perfect storm of mismanagement, public outcry, and resignations that left many in the film community shaking their heads in disbelief.

Following a turbulent month that cast doubt on the authenticity of Greece’s Oscar selection method and potentially jeopardized the nation’s opportunities at the 97th Academy Awards, Greece chose Eva Nathena’s historical drama “Murderess” for the international feature film competition. Out of the initial 26 eligible films, “Murderess” is the sole contender remaining, as the other competitors withdrew from the selection process in a show of protest.

On the night of September 10th, Deputy Minister of Culture Iasonas Fotilas declared that the movie “Murderess” has been chosen. This decision was made by a group of experienced professionals from the industry. The six-member committee concluded that the film is suitable for a vibrant showing in the upcoming Oscar competition as it fulfills the necessary criteria.

The Greek filmmaking community swiftly expressed their disapproval, using terms like “shameful,” “ridiculous,” and “chaotic” to describe the selection process. On social media, one user humorously commented: “The ‘Murderess’ was pitted against itself and emerged triumphant.” In a strongly worded piece for Documento, columnist Chrisoula Papaioannou denounced it as “the murderer of the Oscars” and “the assassin of dignity.

After a tumultuous six-week ordeal, the official announcement marked the end of this unexpected turn of events. It all started when I, along with three other industry professionals – film critic Leda Galanou, actress Kora Karvounis, screenwriter Kallia Papadakis, and director Vassilis Kekatos – received an appointment as Greece’s Oscar selection committee members. However, our joy was short-lived, as we were unceremoniously dismissed just two days later by government officials who claimed it was all a mix-up. They said that our selection hadn’t been finalized yet. I couldn’t believe it, but here we are, recounting the twists and turns of this unexpected chapter in Greek cinema history.

In my perspective, a new committee was swiftly declared, but representatives from the Greek industrial sector expressed their disapproval, labeling the ministry’s management of the situation as “unacceptable and upsetting.” Notably, several members of this newly formed committee chose to resign, among them Asimina Proedrou, director of last year’s Greek Oscar nominee “Behind the Haystacks.” Upon her decision to step down, she shared on Facebook that she could not lend legitimacy to a government that had mishandled the selection process.

As the October 2nd deadline for submissions in the international feature film competition at the Academy approaches, Greece’s culture ministry added two new members, cinematographer Anastasios Michos based in the U.S., and composer Nikos Platyrachos, to the existing six-member committee this week.

Shortly following the announcement that “Murderess” would represent Greece in the international feature film Oscar competition, both individuals involved in the decision submitted their resignations, fueling discussions about the transparency of the selection process and sparking new accusations regarding the speed at which the most recent committee was assembled. As a fan, I find myself questioning the legitimacy of this choice and expressing concerns over the circumstances surrounding its selection.

EbMaster managed to speak with Michos, who expressed that his resignation timing was “regrettable,” but chose not to elaborate more. On the other hand, Platyrachos could not be contacted for a comment. In his farewell note, Fotilas acknowledged their services and expressed gratitude on behalf of the committee.

Set against the backdrop of a secluded Greek isle nearing the 20th century, ‘Murderess’ unfolds as a young lady battles societal norms imposed by her rigid patriarchy in an attempt to live her life.

The movie debuted at the 64th Thessaloniki International Film Festival and went on to win six prizes there. Among these awards were the Fipresci Award for the top Greek film at the festival, as well as the audience award in the Meet the Neighbors+ competition. Additionally, it received five honors at Greece’s Iris Awards, with Panagiotis Vasilakis winning best cinematography.

As a cinephile, I must say that this movie left quite an impression on me, especially when I watched it here in Greece. Christos Mitsis from the arts and culture website Athinorama was particularly moved by its captivating ambiance, skillful direction, and the outstanding performance of Karyofyllia Karabeti. On the other hand, Thodoris Koutsogiannopoulos from culture weekly Lifo highlighted the film’s dramatic coherence and visual commitment – he even went as far as calling it a “tight-knit character thriller.” In his review, he noted that this film was well-paced in terms of duration and consistently stylish.

I attempted to contact EbMaster through Costas Lambropoulos and Dionyssis Samiotis, the producers from Tanweer Production in Athens, to learn why they chose not to withdraw “Murderess” despite the numerous issues with the selection process, similar decisions by other Greek filmmakers, and the general chaos. Unfortunately, Lambropoulos is occupied with other projects at the moment and was unable to respond. Samiotis also failed to reply to multiple messages. I was unsuccessful in reaching Nathena as well.

On Thursday evening, in a conversation with EbMaster, Deputy Minister Fotilas chose not to offer further remarks regarding the ongoing dispute, nor did he elaborate on his decision to disregard demands from the industry to abandon this year’s selection procedure.

Regarding my role as Deputy Minister of Culture, I primarily oversee the selection process for Greece’s representation at the Oscars. This involves choosing the members of the committee and ensuring a fair procedure. The selected committee then evaluates whether the submitted film meets the necessary criteria to represent our nation.

Moving forward, it’s our mission at the Greek Ministry of Culture to support and facilitate the path of [‘Murderess’], he added. It’s clear that this year’s selection process underscores the necessity for us to reevaluate and adapt the entire concept for the future.

The statement mirrors the Hellenic Film Academy’s persistent advocacy for delegating the selection process to their organization of approximately 700 members. In fact, they have previously expressed this desire in various contexts. Last month, they even published an open letter suggesting that this year’s selection process be abandoned and Greece should not submit a film for the international feature film category at next year’s Academy Awards, which are scheduled for March 3.

According to Lefteris Charitos, president of the Hellenic Film Academy, it’s clear that the current process needs to be altered. He suggests that the situation, as it stands, appears to be more like a one-person decision-making system. They had only one film left, a committee with weak representation chosen by the minister, and no clear method for selecting from the initial 26 submissions. To him, this lack of transparency in the selection process is absurd and has resulted in a breach of trust.

He added: “It seems fairer if all movies take a break this year, and we proceed as usual next year – nationally, as a collective of film industry workers.

2024-09-13 12:47

Greece Chooses ‘Murderess’ for International Feature Oscar Race After Scandal-Plagued Selection Process

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