Committee in Charge of Selecting the Film to Represent Madagascar at the Oscars in the Best International Feature Film Category

Selection Rules for the Film Representing Madagascar at the 2026 Oscars

Article 1: Purpose

Article 2: Film Eligibility Criteria

1. National Origin
   The film must be primarily produced in Madagascar or by Malagasy producers, with a significant contribution from local talent (directors, actors, technicians).        
   
   
2. Language
   The film must be primarily in Malagasy language(s) or any other locally used language, with a maximum of 50% of dialogue in a non-national language.        
   
   
3. Release Date
   The film must have its first public screening between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. A commercial theatrical release in Madagascar of at least seven consecutive days is mandatory.        
   
   
4. Duration
   The film must be a fiction feature film (minimum 60 minutes).        
   
   
5. Technical Compliance
   The film must meet international technical standards, including the projection format required by the Academy.      

Article 3: Composition of the Selection Committee

1. Members
   The Committee will be composed of 5 to 10 members, including film professionals (directors, screenwriters, producers, technicians), critics, and cultural representatives.        
   
   
2. Integrity Criteria
   Members must act impartially and avoid any conflict of interest.        
   
   
3. Diversity
   The Committee's composition must reflect the cultural and professional diversity of Madagascar.      

Article 4: Submission Procedure

1. Applications
   To submit a film, the production company must send by email, no later than August 15, 2025, to:
   malagasycinema@gmail.com
   a PDF file (maximum 40 pages and 10 MB) entitled "OSCAR - film title" which must include the following:
              1. Table of contents
              2. Fully completed and signed application form (template to download);
              3. Synopsis (max 3 pages);
              4. Mandatory viewing link to the film, valid until October 1;
              5. Filmmaker’s CV;
              6. Press review, if applicable;
              7. Festival selections, if applicable;
              8. International releases, if applicable;
              9. Letter of intent/motivation co-signed by production and international sales companies;        
   
   
2. Viewing
   All submitted films will be viewed in full by the Committee.        
   
   
3. Deliberations
   After viewing, the Committee will deliberate in closed session, evaluating:        
   • Artistic and technical quality,
   • Originality of the screenplay,
   • Cultural impact and representation of Madagascar,
   • International potential.

Article 5: Final Selection

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

Article 6: Commitment of the Selected Film

1. Provide the necessary copies and documents to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences within the specified deadlines.        
   
   
2. Promote the film internationally with the support of partner institutions.      

Article 7: Amendments and Special Cases

Article 8: Entry into Force

Malagasy Selection Procedure Calendar

• Submission deadline: Friday, August 15, 2025
  
• Selection Committee meeting: The week of September 1, 2025

Academy Awards Selection Timeline

• Academy application deadline: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
  
• Shortlist announcement (15 films): Tuesday, December 16, 2025
  
• Nominee announcement (5 films): Thursday, January 22, 2026
  
• Oscars Ceremony: Sunday, March 15, 2026