German film “Looking into the Sun” makes it into the Oscar preliminary round

German Films, the foreign representation of German films, selected “Looking into the Sun” in August as the German candidate for the 98th Academy Awards next March.

The drama is about four young women who live on a farm in the Altmark at different times. It’s about domestic violence, repressed longings and inherited trauma, among other things.

In addition to Germany, films from South Korea (“No Other Choice”), Tunisia (“The Voice of Hind Rajab”) and Argentina (“Belén”) are represented, among others.

France made it into the shortlist with “A Simple Accident” by Iranian director Jafar Panahi, Norway with the family drama “Sentimental Value,” Spain with the road movie “Sirât,” and Brazil with the thriller “The Secret Agent.” Switzerland is on the shortlist with the drama “Heroine” with leading actress Leonie Benesch.

Of the 15 candidates, five films will be nominated for the final round on January 22nd. The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15, 2026.

Last December, the political thriller “The Seed of the Sacred Fig Tree” by the Iranian Mohammad Rasoulof made it onto the shortlist for Germany and then made it into the Oscar final. In the end, the trophy for best international film went to the Brazilian drama “Here Forever” by Walter Salles.