Curious Film’s ‘War Witch’ nominated for Oscar

Curious has announced its latest film for Australian distribution; War Witch has just been nominated for an Oscar for ‘Best Foreign Language Films’ at the 2013 Academy Awards.

Directed by Kym Nguyen and shot in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the film tells the story of 12-year-old girl Komona, who lives peacefully in a small African village in the sub-Saharan, until rebels come to capture her but not before forcing her to commit an irreparable act.

For more information on the Oscar nominated film, click here.

Says Peter Grasse, Curious Film executive producer: “We are incredibly pleased, albeit not altogether surprised, with the nomination. We loved this film from first sight!

“However, the bigger news is that because of the Oscar nomination, Curious will now be able to secure a theatrical release. Its terrifically frustrating to love a feature and know its release will be limited. With this news, we’ve been enabled to better share our love for this poignant and powerful film.”

Recent achievements include fresh-faced actress 15-year-old Rachel Mwanza winning a ‘Silver Bear for Best Actress’ at the Berlin Film Festival for her portrayal of the main character Komono.

As the film follows the young girl’s experience in the rebel camp, she tells her unborn child the story of her life since she has been at war. Before she embarks on a journey back to her birthplace and during a battle waged against the government’s army, only Komona is spared. The rebels’ chief sees this as a sign and declares she is the new sorceress – a war witch.

Curious’ upcoming films for 2013 also include French/Israeli film The Other Son, Miro Bilbrough’s debut feature Being Venice, Matteo Garrone’s Cannes Film Festival Grand Jury prize winner Reality, French comedy Granny’s Funeral, Kim Mordaunt’s Loation-language feature The Rocket, which has been selected to screen at the Berlin Film Festival next month.