Directed by Nora Twomey, "The Breadwinner" is the third nomination for Luxembourg firm Melusine Productions, following  “Ernest and Celine” and “Song of the Sea”. What is more, if it wins, it could be the second Oscar won for a Luxembourg animation after “Mr Hublot” won the best short animated film prize in 2014.

Based on the best-selling graphic novel by Deborah Ellis, “The Breadwinner” tells the story of Parvana, an 11-year-old girl living under Taliban rule in Afghanistan in 2001. After the wrongful arrest of her father, Parvana cuts off her hair and dresses like a boy to support her family.

Working alongside a friend, she soon discovers a new world of freedom and danger. Drawing strength from the fantastical stories she invents, Parvana embarks on an epic quest to find her father and reunite her family.

“2018 looks promising for Luxembourg cinema, with the nomination of “The Breadwinner” at the Oscars, the selections of co-productions White Fang (Bidibul Productions) at Sundance, Gutland (Les Films Fauves) at Max Ophüls Preis and Rotterdam, and Black 47 (Samsa Film) and Bad Banks (Iris Productions) at the Berlinale,” Luxembourg film fund director Guy Daleiden said in a statement published Tuesday.

“These multiple international selections underline that the significant efforts made by Film Fund in the development of the audiovisual sector definitely produce their effects.”

“The Breadwinner” was co-produced with Cartoon Saloon (Ireland) and Aircraft Pictures (Canada) in partnership with producer Angelina Jolie.

 

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