VietNamNet Bridge – According to VietNamNet’s sources, “Black Forest” was not approved to represent Vietnam at the 2009 Oscars because it was not commercially screened for at least seven consecutive days.

A scene from Black Forest.

Experts and officials of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism met on September 29 to make a final decision about choosing Vietnam’s nominee for the 2009 Best Foreign Film Award and they didn’t choose any film.

There was only one movie submitted for selection, Black Forest. Though this movie was introduced at Hanoi-based Fansland Cinema in late March 2008, it was not screened consecutively for seven days to satisfy the condition set by the US Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Actually, the US Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ regulations for the Oscars next year are easier than previous years, which asked nominees to be screened for two weeks in the US.

Painted Skin, the nominee of Hong Kong, went to the silver screen one day earlier than scheduled, on September 24, one week before it was sent to the Oscars, to meet the above condition.

But such a thing did not happen with Black Forest. It is hoped that next year Vietnam will have more choices and prepare better for the Academy Awards in 2010.

Bich Hanh