In a groundbreaking moment for Indian cinema, the adventure film “Country of Blind,” starring Hina Khan, has secured a spot in the Oscars voting shortlist for the upcoming 2024 Academy Awards, positioning it alongside cinematic heavyweights and potential nominees. Directed by Rahhat Kazmi, the film adapts H.G. Wells’ intriguing narrative into a visual odyssey, telling the compelling tale of a mountaineer who stumbles upon a secluded society of blind individuals after a perilous fall.
The inclusion of “Country of Blind” within the coveted list by The Academy signifies a remarkable step for diverse storytelling on a global platform. This year’s selection comprises an extensive array of 265 feature films, as noted by ‘The Hollywood Reporter’. The listing celebrates a variety of narratives from different corners of the world. “Country of Blind” finds itself amid iconic films such as “Oppenheimer,” “Barbie,” and “Killers of the Flower Moon,” all of which have garnered acclaim at recent award ceremonies, including the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards.
Reflecting on this monumental achievement, lead actress Hina Khan expressed her elation and pride. “To stand alongside such legendary films as ‘Oppenheimer’ and ‘Barbie’ is not only an incredible honor but a testament to the dedication and passion that drives our film ‘Country of Blind,'” Khan remarked. The team’s joy is palpable, with Khan highlighting the extensive efforts that have culminated in this exceptional creative output.
While making it to the submission list is not an automatic ticket to the longlists nor the final nomination, it does offer a nod of recognition and the opportunity for potential Oscars consideration. Director Rahhat Kazmi encapsulated this sentiment by asserting, “This moment raises the bar and motivation for the entire ‘Country of Blind’ team. Representing India on such a prestigious stage, in the company of Hollywood’s finest, propels us into an even greater sphere of inspiration. We are all immensely ecstatic.”
“Country of Blind” unfolds the narrative of an audacious mountaineer whose adventure takes a dramatic turn, plunging 1,000 feet off a cliff into an undiscovered valley, inhabited solely by those without sight. As a mountaineering expedition transforms into an exploration of society and self, viewers are drawn into a world that challenges perception and societal norms.
The ensemble cast, bringing this unique world to life, consists of talented actors including Hina Khan, Shoaib Nikash Shah, Anushka Sen, Namita Lal, Pradyuman Singh Mall, Inamulhaq, and Jitendra Rai. Following its theatrical release in the US, screened over 13 cinemas in October of the previous year, “Country of Blind” has attained international recognition, placing the spotlight on Indian cinematography’s evolving landscape and its capacity to resonate universally.
Moreover, “Country of Blind” is not alone in its journey towards potential Oscar acclaim. It stands among two other Indian films contending for this honor – the Malayalam film ‘2018’ led by Tovino Thomas and Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s ’12th Fail,’ starring Vikrant Massey as the primary character. These films represent an emergent narrative power from India, showcasing the multifaceted nature of Indian storytelling.
As the world of cinema eagerly anticipates the announcements for the final nominees of the Oscars 2024, the inclusion of such films within the larger conversation echoes a broader move towards inclusivity and the celebration of diverse cinematic voices. For Hina Khan and the creators of “Country of Blind,” it is undoubtedly a victory in itself to see their work acknowledged in a forum as prestigious as the Oscars, fueling their aspirations and setting a new milestone for Indian films on the global stage.
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