The new Norwegian disaster film that’s packing cinemas all over the country was chosen on Wednesday to be Norway’s entry in the competition for best non-English-language film at the next Academy Awards in Hollywood. “The Wave” (Bølgen) has already been seen by nearly 190,000 Norwegians, just five days after its release last weekend.
The film has been hailed for its realism and the warning it sends about the potential for a catastrophic avalanche and tsunami in the scenic Geiranger Fjord, one of Norway’s top tourist destinations. Now film industry officials have declared that they think it’s good enough to win a coveted Oscar at the Academy Awards ceremony.
“The Wave is an exciting and original choice,” Sindre Guldvog of the Norwegian Film Institute said at a press conference Wednesday, citing its “strong cinematic qualities.” Norway’s Oscar committee also cited the film’s “impressive cast” and claimed the film is “distinctly Norwegian,” an apparent reference to the stunning scenery it portrays and its storyline.
Diretor Roar Uthaug said it was “a great honor” to represent Norway in the Oscar race. His film is set to be shown in more than 100 countries after its premiere in Norway.
newsinenglish.no staff
