Jordan has chosen the documentary film “My Sweet Land” to represent the country for Best International Feature Film at the upcoming Academy Awards. The film, directed by Sareen Hairabedian in her feature directorial debut, focuses on an 11-year-old boy named Vrej living in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
When violence erupts again in the long-running territorial conflict, Vrej and his family are forced to flee their home. Upon returning, they discover their house in ruins and Vrej’s hopes for a normal childhood destroyed.
Through Vrej’s story, the documentary explores the human costs of prolonged territorial disputes and the universal desire for peace. It highlights the resilience of people who have had their lives disrupted by conflict. The film, which premiered at the Sheffield Documentary Festival this year, brings sensitive attention to this complex issue. It allows viewers to connect personally with those impacted by the ongoing headlines.
“My Sweet Land” was an international collaborative effort between producers in Ireland, France, Jordan, and the United States. Jordanian filmmaker Azza Hourani served as a producer, further cementing the film’s ties to the country it now represents globally. This nomination marks a significant milestone for Jordan’s growing presence in the international film industry. It chose a project addressing challenging subject matter, demonstrating Jordan’s willingness to engage with important issues.
The film still has a long road ahead to potential Oscar success. On December 17, the Academy will announce shortlisted films for the award. Final nominations will be revealed on January 17, 2025. The 97th Academy Awards ceremony takes place on March 2, 2025. As the film enters the race, it carries not only the hopes of its creators and Jordan’s film industry, but also Vrej’s disrupted story and those of people worldwide impacted by prolonged conflicts.
