The breakout movie from a rising Quebec director has been chosen as Canada’s bid for an Oscar in the best foreign-language film category.
Telefilm says it chose Xavier Dolan’s wrenching family drama, I Killed my Mother, (J’ai tue ma mere) from 18 eligible films.
It’s the latest accolade for the 20-year-old Dolan, who wrote, directed and stars in the semi-autobiographical film that drew raves at Cannes earlier this year.
The film focuses on 16-year-old Hubert Minel, and his explosive clashes with his mother.
Ninety-six countries have been invited to submit their top film for Academy Award consideration.
A final list of five foreign-language films will be announced when the Oscar nominations are revealed on Feb. 2, 2010, with the hardware handed out March 7.
Canada’s submission last year was Benoit Pilon’s period piece, The Necessities of Life (Ce qu’il faut pour vivre).