Switzerland sends the documentary film "Qui vit encore" to the Oscar race

The Swiss government has submitted the documentary «Qui vit encore» as its official entry for consideration in the international category of the Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars. The decision was made by the Federal Office of Culture, which described the film as “current and relevant.” The documentary follows nine individuals who have survived the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, offering personal narratives of resilience and survival amid the violence. The submission marks a significant step in bringing global attention to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. The documentary was released earlier this year and has already garnered critical acclaim for its raw depiction of life under occupation. It features interviews with survivors who recount their experiences of loss, displacement, and daily struggles. The film’s title, «Qui vit encore», translates to “Who is still alive,” reflecting the central theme of survival in the face of relentless conflict. The Federal Office of Culture emphasized that the film aligns with Switzerland’s commitment to promoting human rights and cultural dialogue on a global stage. The submission process for the Oscars involves selecting one film per country to represent it in the international feature film category. This selection is typically based on criteria such as artistic merit, thematic relevance, and the film’s potential to resonate with a broad audience. In the case of «Qui vit encore», the focus on personal stories from the Gaza conflict underscores a growing trend among filmmakers to highlight real-world issues through documentary formats. The film’s inclusion in the Oscar race reflects both the urgency of the subject matter and the increasing influence of non-fiction storytelling in global cinema. The documentary was produced by a team of Swiss and Palestinian filmmakers, working collaboratively to ensure authenticity and depth in the portrayal of the survivors' experiences. The production faced logistical challenges due to the volatile security situation in Gaza, requiring careful coordination to secure access to interview subjects and filming locations. Despite these obstacles, the filmmakers managed to capture intimate moments that convey the emotional weight of the conflict. The film’s director, whose name was not disclosed in the initial reports, has been praised for maintaining a balance between objectivity and empathy in the narrative. In addition to the documentary submission, other notable cultural developments were reported in the region. A new art installation near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin commemorates the construction of the Berlin Wall 65 years ago, using transparent materials to symbolize both visibility and opacity. Meanwhile, in Salzburg, a public exhibition featuring 320 golden-colored Mozart figures was abruptly closed after a mass theft of the statues. These events highlight the diverse range of cultural activities taking place across Europe, even amidst broader geopolitical tensions. As the documentary moves forward in its journey toward the Oscars, it will undergo further evaluation by the Academy’s international committee. If selected, it would become the first Swiss documentary to compete in the international feature film category since the 2010s. The outcome of this submission could set a precedent for future films addressing contemporary conflicts and social justice issues. Regardless of the final result, the documentary has already sparked conversations about the role of media in documenting and raising awareness of humanitarian crises.