It’s that time of year again when the world of cinema gets a little glitzier, a little more glamorous, and a whole lot more competitive. The 97th Academy Awards are set to take place on March 3, 2025, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, and the excitement is already building. While Hollywood’s biggest night will feature the usual blockbusters, let’s shift our attention to an intriguing contender from Costa Rica: Memories of a Burning Body, directed by Antonella Sudasassi Furniss.
This Spanish-language drama is Costa Rica’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category, and it’s turning heads for good reason. But before we dive into why this film stands out, let’s look at what it takes to make it into the coveted international category.
The Road to the Oscars for International Films
To qualify for the International Feature Film category, a movie must be feature-length (over 40 minutes), produced outside of the United States, and include a predominantly non-English dialogue track. Animated and documentary films can also make the cut, as long as they fit these guidelines. The submission window for this year’s Academy Awards opened for films released theatrically in their respective countries between November 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, with the deadline for official entries on October 2.
The journey doesn’t end there. A shortlist of 15 finalists will be announced on December 17, 2024, followed by the big reveal of the five final nominees on January 17, 2025. So, what are the chances for Costa Rica’s latest cinematic gem?
Memories of a Burning Body: A Costa Rican Contender With Heart
Let’s talk about Memories of a Burning Body. Directed by Antonella Sudasassi Furniss, this film has already made waves on the international circuit, and it could very well be the movie that brings Costa Rica its first-ever Oscar nomination. Furniss is no stranger to representing her country at the Academy Awards; her debut film The Awakening of the Arts was submitted back in 2019. Unfortunately, that entry didn’t make it to the nomination stage. However, Memories of a Burning Body might just have what it takes to break the mold.
Winner of the Berlinale Panorama audience award, this emotionally charged drama tells the story of three elderly women who, despite their age, rediscover their bodies and sexuality. The film focuses on one 65-year-old woman in particular, as she navigates her own complex relationship with aging, desire, and self-identity. It’s a poignant exploration of themes rarely touched upon in mainstream cinema, let alone in such a sensitive and evocative manner.
The film is a co-production between Costa Rica’s Substance and Spain’s PlayLab, with additional support from Costa Rica’s El Fauno national fund, Ibermedia, and Catalan fund ICEC. The international cooperation behind this project is impressive and has helped bring Furniss’ unique vision to life. Starring Sol Carballo and Paulina Bernini, the film has already won several awards during its post-production phase at Ventana Sur, a prestigious film market held in Buenos Aires.
What Makes Memories of a Burning Body Stand Out?
For starters, Memories of a Burning Body addresses a subject that’s not commonly explored in cinema—particularly in the realm of Latin American film. By focusing on the sexuality and self-discovery of older women, the film challenges traditional narratives around aging and desire, making it both fresh and thought-provoking.
The film’s international appeal is enhanced by its nuanced performances and its ability to strike a balance between drama and introspection. It’s no wonder the movie won over audiences at Berlinale. Films that touch on universal themes with emotional depth tend to resonate with the Academy’s voters, so there’s a chance this film could connect with a broader audience beyond Costa Rica.
The Competition
Costa Rica is not the only country throwing its hat into the ring for the Best International Feature Film category. Last year, 88 countries submitted entries, and the competition was stiff, with films like Japan’s Perfect Days and Italy’s Io Capitano vying for attention. The eventual winner, The Zone of Interest from the UK, set a high bar for artistic excellence.
This year, Costa Rica will face strong contenders again, including entries from major film industries like France, Japan, and Spain. However, the unique subject matter of Memories of a Burning Body, combined with the international acclaim it has already garnered, gives it a fighting chance. Antonella Sudasassi Furniss may be leading Costa Rica closer than ever to its first Oscar nod.
Costa Rica’s Growing Presence in the International Film Scene
While Costa Rica has yet to secure an Oscar nomination, the country’s film industry has been steadily growing in both quality and global recognition. Thanks to government initiatives like the El Fauno national fund, which supports local filmmakers, and partnerships with international film markets like Ibermedia, Costa Rican cinema is beginning to find its voice on the world stage.
Memories of a Burning Body is not just a contender—it’s a symbol of Costa Rica’s growing influence in global cinema. As more films from the region gain attention, the chances of landing an Oscar nomination increase. Whether or not this is the year Costa Rica breaks through, the groundwork has been laid for future successes.
What’s Next?
As the countdown to the 97th Academy Awards continues, all eyes will be on the shortlist announcement in December. While there’s no way to predict which films will make the cut, Memories of a Burning Body has already proven itself as a serious contender with a compelling narrative, strong performances, and international backing.
In a film industry that is often dominated by large-budget productions from the U.S. and Europe, it’s refreshing to see smaller nations like Costa Rica stepping into the spotlight. Antonella Sudasassi Furniss’ film might just be the one to bring Costa Rican cinema its long-awaited Oscar moment.
So, will Memories of a Burning Body make history for Costa Rica at the 97th Academy Awards? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: this is a film—and a filmmaker—worth watching.
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