Sweden selects Charter as Oscar candidate

Amanda Kernell’s film gets a chance to run for Best International Feature Film at the 93^rd Academy Awards just after its selection for the Nordic Council Film Prize. 

Steffen Andersen-Møller, Head of the International Department at the Swedish Film Institute and chairman of the Oscar Committee said: “The jury has chosen to nominate Amanda Kernell's very personal and moving film. A slow-burning and well-played family drama that is one of this year's most challenging films. That this is just Amanda Kernell's second feature bodes well for the future. We are dealing with a very confident director, who can be ranked among the most promising European filmmakers.”

Kernell said: “Charter had a very strange start, premiering in Swedish cinemas just when the corona crisis hit. So I’m absolutely thrilled that the film continues to travel the world and is seen by and touches a new audience. And it feels incredibly great to be able to represent Sweden!”

The film produced by Nordisk Film Production with support from Nordisk Film & TV Fond world premiered in competition at the Sundance Film Festival in January and then ran for a Dragon Award-Best Nordic Film in Göteborg.

The film centres on Alice (played by Norwegian actress Ane Dahl Torp) a Stockholm-based divorced mother who is separated from her two children by her ex-husband (Sverrir Gudnason). While waiting for the final custody verdict and after a phone conversation with her weepy son, she heads to Northern Sweden to be with her children. When this plan fails to materialise, she decides to abduct her two children and take them on a charter trip to Tenerife in the hopes of reconciling with them.

Kernell’s breakthrough debut film Sami Blood (2016) won numerous awards including the Fedeora Award - Best Debut Feature at Venice Days.

Charter is sold globally by TrustNordisk.

The shortlist of ten films for the Best International Film at the 93rd Academy Awards will be revealed February 9, 2021 and the Oscars ceremony will take place April 25.