As the film industry gears up for one of its most anticipated events, the Academy Awards, audiences are treated to a variety of new releases showcasing unique storytelling across genres. Canadian filmmaker Matthew Rankin’s charming and surreal feature “Universal Language” is making its way to select theaters, alongside a host of other films that promise to captivate and entertain viewers.
“Universal Language,” which premiered at both Cannes and TIFF, is currently making headlines as it opens in limited theaters across New York and Los Angeles. Rankin’s film is described as a whimsical and bizarre exploration of human connections, set against an enchanting backdrop that juxtaposes the cities of Tehran and Winnipeg. With a credible 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it is evident that both audiences and critics are responding positively to its unconventional narrative style.
In the film, we encounter multiple characters whose lives intertwine and reflect a blend of cultures and experiences. Children Negin and Nazgol discover frozen money, while Massoud guides bewildered tourists through the historical aspects of Winnipeg, and Matthew embarks on a surreal soul-searching journey after quitting his mundane government role. Each character speaks Farsi, contributing to the film’s rich cultural tapestry.
Notably, the film’s distributor, Oscilloscope Laboratories, has shown confidence in the project, having previously collaborated with Rankin on his earlier work, “The Twentieth Century.” As theatrical distribution chief Andrew Carlin pointedly remarks, the timing of this release is strategic—positioning it right before award season could help maintain its presence in theaters as audiences flock to see potential Oscar contenders.
Rankin reflects on the sheer joy of communal cinema experiences during an era when solitary online viewing has become the norm. He notes that there is something profoundly fulfilling about sharing a cinematic journey with strangers, conceptually breaking the barriers of isolation fostered by contemporary technology. “I feel like I’m not alone with that,” he concludes, emphasizing a collective longing for analog interactions in a world increasingly dominated by digital distractions.
The film’s promotional rollout hints at an ambitious expansion plan, starting from its New York and LA debut and gradually reaching cities like Seattle, San Francisco, and Chicago, before aiming to penetrate the top 30 markets across the nation. This approach allows “Universal Language” to build momentum ahead of potential accolades following its performance at the Academy Awards.
In a parallel narrative, the animated film “Ne Zha 2,” a sequel to the original juggernaut, is breaking records across China and now making its way to North American audiences. With an impressive box office gross of nearly $1.4 billion, it has become the highest-grossing animated film ever released in its home market and is poised to gain significant traction in the United States. Directed by Yang Yu, “Ne Zha 2” follows the titular deity as he attempts to rewrite his fate while battling formidable foes, entwining traditional Chinese mythology with a modern storytelling perspective.
This film’s immense popularity sets it apart in the crowded cinematic marketplace, particularly as it opens in over 700 theaters—a record number for a Chinese film entering the U.S. market in the last two decades. Its ability to convey cultural narratives while drawing considerable box office numbers demonstrates the potential for international animated features to thrive in areas previously dominated by Western productions.
Moreover, the buzz around the Academy Awards isn’t confined to feature-length films alone. Oscar Nominated Shorts return for their 20th season, showcasing the cream of the crop in short films across categories such as Best Live Action, Best Animated, and Best Documentary. Currently spreading across 700 theaters, these shorts offer viewers a compact yet impactful cinematic experience, encapsulating stories that provoke thought, inspire laughter, and incite discussions.
With an option to categorize documentary shorts into two parts, audiences can engage with an eclectic mix of storytelling styles and themes—a fitting tribute to the art of short filmmaking. As the nominations are unveiled, audiences are reminded of the vital role that these shorter pieces play in enriching the broader cinematic landscape.
Overall, with the simultaneous release of thought-provoking films such as “Universal Language” and commercially successful features like “Ne Zha 2,” alongside the celebrated Oscar Shorts, the film industry remains a vibrant and varied tapestry of creativity. As award season approaches, these films not only entertain but also invite viewers to engage with diverse cultural narratives, underscoring the importance of both the big screen and the stories that unite us, transcending geographical and cultural barriers.