Tajikistan has chosen the drama film “Melody” to represent the country at the Academy Awards for the second time. Directed by Iranian filmmaker Behrouz Sebt Rasoul, “Melody” tells the story of a music teacher named Melody who works with sick children in a rural Tajik village.
The film follows Melody as she tries to record the songs of 30 different birds to compose a piece for her students. She travels back to her hometown in search of the birds’ melodies. Along the way, Melody receives help from an elder singer who knows how to find the rare singing birds.
Tajikistan first tried to submit “Melody” for the 2024 Oscars but missed the deadline. They are now entering it for the 2025 awards ceremony. Sebt Rasoul confirmed the on-time submission to the entertainment website Deadline.
Tajikistan has only entered two other films in its history. The 1999 comedy “Luna Papa” did not get nominated. In 2005, “Sex & Philosophy” was disqualified after its screening copy arrived late at the Academy.
“Melody” aims to give Tajikistan’s film industry more recognition globally. The Tehran-based Nama Film Company produced it in partnership with Tajik broadcaster Safina. The film has screened at festivals in India, the UK, China, and will premiere in Australia in February 2025.
Through Melody’s journey and portrayal of rural life, the film exposes international audiences to Tajik culture and emerging filmmaking talent from Central Asia.
