A Swiss short film has been nominated for the Best Short Live Action Film at the Academy Awards. The film now has a chance to be Switzerland's first Oscar win since 1991.
The 38-minute film, called Ala Kachuu - Take and Run, was directed by German-Swiss filmmaker Maria Brendle. Brendle now lives and works in Switzerland, after studying at a university in Zurich.
The film follows the story of Sezim, a 19-year-old from Kyrgyzstan, who hopes to attend university. Unfortunately, before she can fulfil her dream she is abducted and married off to a stranger. The film centres on her decision whether to go through with the marriage, or to pursue her dreams while facing severe social stigma.
Video: YouTube / Salaud Morisset
Although the practice of wedding kidnapping or Ala Kachuu is illegal, the custom is still widespread around the world under the veil of tradition. Alina Turdumamatova, who plays Sezim, said she wanted to “raise awareness of women’s rights and give a voice to those who are rarely heard.”
The film has been nominated for the Academy Award in the Short Film (Live Action) category. The last time a Swiss actor or director won an Oscar was in 1991, with Xavier Koller’s drama Journey of Hope, which won Best Foreign Language Film.
Ala Kachuu - Take and Run will join four other nominees from around the world in the ceremony in Hollywood. The winner is due to be announced on March 27.