After the 2019 Oscars, the Academy decided to change the name of its Best Foreign Language Film category to Best International Feature Film (however, films still need to be in a foreign language to be eligible).

Despite the name change, this category remains the main port of call for regional films vying for an Oscar, and four countries from the Arab world have made their submissions so far this year.

There will undoubtedly be more to come, but here are the regional contenders for Best International Feature Film to date:

Palestine: ‘It Must Be Heaven’ by Elia Suleiman

Elia Suleiman’s latest satirical film won the Jury Special Mention award at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. The film, follows Suleiman as he goes from Paris to New York alongside co-star Ali Suliman (Homeland, Lone Survivor). It’s a semi-autobiographical tale of a Palestinian man seeking a new home, only to find similarities with his own homeland wherever he goes.

Suleiman’s film also picked up the Fipresci Critics’ Award at Cannes, which took place in May. “In a subtle, stylistically strong and humorous way, this film tells a story that goes beyond politics, religions, authorities and cultural differences,” the jury said in a statement.

“Even though those differences are observed with a sharp eye for the absurd that slides through hypocrisy and are delivered with great cinematic and often surprising choreographies.” It is screening this week at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Egypt: ‘Poisonous Roses’ by Ahmad Fawzi Saleh

Fawzi Saleh’s first feature premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam last year. The film tells the story of Saqr, who dreams of a better life beyond his tannery job in the slums, but whose strong love for his sister ties him to the location.

Poisonous Roses stars Egyptian star Mahmoud Hemida and Merihan Magdi; and is written and directed by Ahmad Fawzi Saleh.

Morocco: ‘Adam’ by Maryam Touzani

Maryam Touzani’s Adam screened in the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival this year. It is a beautiful film about a friendship between an unwed pregnant hairdresser and a widowed mother.

Speaking to The National, Touzani said that the idea for the film is based on a real life incident. “One day, a young woman came knocking at our door looking for work,” she recalls. “My mum quickly understood that she wasn’t looking for a job, but as the woman was heavily pregnant my mother was worried about sending her away. At that time, it was illegal for a hospital to assist unwed women in giving birth, so my parents decided to take her in.”

“In a country like mine, it’s the biggest shame for a woman to have a child out of wedlock,” she says. The film is Touzani’s first feature.

Morocco: ‘Adam’ by Maryam Touzani

Maryam Touzani’s Adam screened in the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival this year. It is a beautiful film about a friendship between an unwed pregnant hairdresser and a widowed mother.

Speaking to The National, Touzani said that the idea for the film is based on a real life incident. “One day, a young woman came knocking at our door looking for work,” she recalls. “My mum quickly understood that she wasn’t looking for a job, but as the woman was heavily pregnant my mother was worried about sending her away. At that time, it was illegal for a hospital to assist unwed women in giving birth, so my parents decided to take her in.”

“In a country like mine, it’s the biggest shame for a woman to have a child out of wedlock,” she says. The film is Touzani’s first feature.

www.thenational.ae