ALGIERS-The Algerian Commission for the Selection of Works for the Oscars announced the selection of the feature film “196 meters/Algiers” by director Chakib Taleb-Bendiab to represent Algeria at the 97th Academy Awards in the “Best International Film” category, the Algerian Center for Cinema Development (CADC) said in a statement.

The feature film “196 meters/Algiers,” a police drama, was selected by the Algerian Commission for the Selection of Works for the Oscars, commissioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), and under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and Arts and in collaboration with the CADC.

This Algerian-Canadian co-production, which began filming in Algiers in 2022, recently won the grand prize at the Rhode Island International Film Festival (United States), where it had its world premiere.

Financed by the Ministry of Culture and Arts, this debut feature film by director Taleb-Bendiab tells the story of the kidnapping of a young girl. The cast includes several actors including Hichem Mesbah, Meriem Medjkane, Ali Namousse and Nabil Asli.

The shortlist of international films competing in this category will be announced on December 17, followed by a final list of 5 films on January 17, 2025. The winner will be revealed during the March 3, 2025 Oscars ceremony.