Greece’s Oscar Submission Process Descends into Chaos, Sparking Outrage and Film Withdrawals

The Hellenic Film Academy (HFA), Greece’s national film body, is demanding answers and action from the country’s cultural ministry after a series of confusing and chaotic government interventions have effectively paralyzed the selection process for Greece’s submission to the 96th Academy Awards.

The controversy began in early August when the Greek Ministry of Culture, following usual protocol, assembled a selection committee of esteemed film professionals to choose the country’s entry for the prestigious international Oscar race. This committee included acclaimed director Vasilis Kekatos (known for the Palme d’Or-winning short, “The Distance Between Us and the Sky”), film critic Leda Galanou, actress Kora Karvounis, and screenwriter Kallia Papadakis.

However, in an unexpected turn of events, the Ministry abruptly rescinded the appointments, emailing the committee members to inform them that their initial communication had been an error. This sudden reversal left the committee shocked and the selection process in disarray.

Adding to the confusion, the Ministry swiftly announced a new seven-person selection committee. This new committee included screenwriter Evan Spiliotopoulos, film critic Dimitris Danikas, and director Asimina Proedrou (director of Greece’s 2023 Oscar submission, “Behind the Haystacks”). Proedrou has since publicly resigned from the committee in protest, citing concerns about the Ministry’s chaotic handling of the selection process in an open letter posted on Facebook.

This turmoil has prompted a strong backlash from the Greek film community. In a display of solidarity, filmmakers and producers behind 20 of the 23 films submitted for Oscar consideration have pulled their films from the selection process. An open letter signed by the filmmakers, including Sofia Exarchou (director of the critically acclaimed “Animals”), condemns the Ministry’s interference, stating that it “cast serious doubt on the credibility and validity of the process.” The letter further expresses their refusal to participate in a process they deem opaque and detrimental to the reputation of Greek cinema and its professionals.

This mass withdrawal leaves only three films remaining in contention: “Fonissa” by Eva Nathena, “Minore” by Konstantinos Koutsoliotas, and “Captain Michalis” by Kostas Charalambous.

The HFA, expressing outrage over the Ministry’s conduct, has issued a strong statement on Instagram denouncing the Ministry’s actions as “unacceptable.” In an official letter, the Academy reiterates its long-standing request for the Greek government to entrust the HFA with the responsibility of selecting the country’s Oscar submission, aligning Greece with other countries like the UK and Spain, where the national film academies oversee the selection process.

The Deputy Greek Culture Minister responded in an open letter, shifting blame to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which he claims is responsible for invitations to the Oscar selection committee. He attributed the initial erroneous invitations to a failure to adhere to legal provisions.

As the December 17th deadline for the Best International Feature Oscar shortlist rapidly approaches, the fate of Greece’s participation remains shrouded in uncertainty. The HFA, the Greek culture and foreign affairs ministries have all been contacted for comment, but as of now, the situation remains unresolved.