20th Jan 2015 Timbuktu, a film set in Mauritania, about the everyday lives of people, has received an Oscar nomination. It is the first African film to receive a nomination in The Academy awards for the best foreign film category.
The Franco-Mauritanian film will vie for the award alongside “Leviathan”, a Russian film, Polish film “Ida” and the Argentinian dark comedy “Wild Tales”.
The excited director, Abderahhmane Sissako, understandably excited about the positive development has responded that it is a “great sign for Mauritania and Africa,” he is quoted as saying “As soon as I heard about the nomination, I was overwhelmed by an indescribable feeling, it is recognition of work done with the passion and commitment of women and men from different countries, united to defend universal values of love, peace and justice.”
He added that he feels “very touched” that the organizers gave the film a shot at the Oscars which is one of the most prestigious film awards. Way to go and bring back that statue.