Exploring Italy's Entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards: Familia
Italy has chosen the drama Familia, directed by Francesco Costabile, as its entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The film, co-written by Costabile, Vittorio Moroni, and Andriano Chiarelli, is inspired by Luigi Celeste's memoir Non sarà sempre così, depicting his life as a far-right militant in the midst of domestic violence and a criminal father. Familia premiered at the Venice Film Festival's Orizzonti sidebar in 2024. The selection process, managed by Anica, received 24 film submissions this year, including works like Below the Clouds, Duse, and Elisa.
The committee responsible for choosing Italy's submission comprised industry professionals such as Micaela Fusco, Alessandra Magliaro, Gabriele Muccino, Olivia Musini, Simona Paggi, Federico Pontiggia, Micaela Ramazzotti, Stefano Sardo, and Vito Sinopoli. Italy's previous entry was Vermiglio, a World War Two drama by Maura Delpero, which reached the shortlist after winning the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival in 2024.