Balkan nations select Oscar entries for 99th Academy Awards

Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro have selected their official entries for the 99th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has chosen “Udovac” (The Widower), a debut feature film directed by Hari Šečić. The film, which premiered at the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival, follows the story of an elderly man named Mirsad as he navigates life and loneliness following the sudden death of his wife. The selection was made by a commission from the Association of Film Workers of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Montenegro has selected the documentary film “Planina” (Mountain), directed by Biljana Tutorov and Petar Glomazić. The film tells the story of a mother and daughter defending a nomadic pastoral community against plans to build a military training ground. “Planina” has previously received recognition at the Sundance Film Festival and the Sarajevo Film Festival.