Commission Responsible for Selecting the Film to Represent Madagascar at the Oscars in the Best International Feature Film Category (Academy Award for Best International Feature Film)

Regulations for the Selection of the Film Representing Madagascar at the Oscars in 2026

Article 1: Purpose

Article 2: Eligibility Criteria for Films

1. National Origin
   The film must be primarily produced in Madagascar or by Malagasy producers, with significant contributions from local talents (directors, actors, technicians).
   
   
2. Language
   The film must be predominantly in Malagasy language(s) or other locally used languages, with a maximum of 50% of the dialogues in non-national languages.
   
   
3. Release Date
   The film must have been publicly released for the first time between November 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025. A commercial theatrical release in Madagascar for at least seven consecutive days is mandatory.
   
   
4. Duration
   The film must be a feature-length fiction film (minimum 60 minutes).
   
   
5. Technical Compliance
   The film must adhere to international technical standards, including the projection format required by the Academy.

Article 3: Composition of the Selection Committee

1. Members
   The Committee shall consist of a minimum of five members and a maximum of ten members, including professionals from the film industry (directors, screenwriters, producers, technicians), critics, and cultural representatives.
   
   
2. Integrity Criteria
   Members must commit to acting impartially and avoiding any conflict of interest.
   
   
3. Diversity
   The composition of the Committee must reflect the cultural and professional diversity of Madagascar.

1. Applications
   Producers or distributors of eligible films must submit their applications before the deadline set by the Commission, along with the required documents (technical sheet, synopsis, team CVs, proof of nationality, etc.). This deadline will be published on this website no later than July 31, 2025.
   
   
2. Screening
   All submitted films will be screened in their entirety by the Commission.
   
   
3. Deliberations
   After screening, the Commission will deliberate in private to select the film based on the following criteria:
   
   • Artistic and technical quality,
   • Originality of the script,
   • Cultural impact and representation of Madagascar,
   • International potential.
     

Article 5: Final Selection

1. Vote
   The final decision will be made by a simple majority vote. In the event of a tie, the Chairperson of the Committee will have the casting vote.
   
   
2. Announcement
   The selected film will be publicly announced on a date set by the Committee.

Article 6: Obligations of the Selected Film

1. Providing the necessary copies and documents required by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences within the specified deadlines.
   
   
2. Promoting the film internationally with the support of partner institutions.

Article 7: Amendments and Special Cases

Article 8: Effective Date