Kiss the Future is now back in the race for the Oscars! The Academy recently reversed its shocking decision, from declaring the documentary ineligible for the award to granting it eligibility.
According to Variety, the documentary film directed by Nenad Cicin-Sain is now available in the Academy screening room for members of the documentary team to vote for it as the Best Documentary Feature.
This good news comes after Kiss the Future was kicked out of the Oscars race a month ago, declaring it ineligible, as reported by Deadline. But what was the reason for the acclaimed feature to be ruled out?
Here’s why Kiss the Future was initially ineligible for the Oscars 2025!
According to Deadline, Kiss the Future did not initially qualify for the Oscars 2025 because of the strict rule on theatrical release. According to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, all the eligible documentaries should be presented thrice a day for seven continuous days in one theatre only which fits the criteria.
Deadline reports that the film produced by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, the docu that centers on the events that took place during the siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s was played in more than 130 AMC theatres in the country. This is much more than the majority of contemporary documentaries even if this particular one had arguably one of the biggest runs of a documentary after lockdown.
Nonetheless, in what the creators consider purely a technicality, The Academy ruled that the film was screened two times a day in a qualifying market, instead of three times, per the Oscar rules.
According to the outlet, this provision forms part of Rule Two, section 2d which relates to the qualification of all eligible motion pictures unless otherwise noted. Furthermore, the same phrase has been added this year in addition to ‘Rule Twelve: Special Rules for the Documentary Feature Film Award’ which makes it two sections of the Academy rules that reference the policy.
Producers’ plea and The Academy’s decision
The Academy also dismissed an appeal made by producers Damon, Affleck, and Anthony who claimed that the film’s broad distribution which is at 139 AMC cinemas including the qualifying towns of Los Angeles, New York, San Fransisco, and Atlanta – should automatically qualify the film for consideration for an Oscar. After the shocking ruling, the director told Deadline,
This is like rule whack-a-mole. I’m seriously considering doing a documentary about this experience — it’s probably more of a comedy, which really is more financially lucrative.
In its review of the film, the Board of the Academy decided to undergo another review of Kiss the Future for fairness and inclusiveness in the eligibility criteria.
This committee eventually overturned the first decision made about the film and claimed that its distribution in more than 100 screens in different markets was an example of it being fully exploited which is in line with the aim of the Academy which is to encourage viewership of films in theaters.
After the Academy reversed their decision, the film’s director told Deadline,
I’m very happy to learn from the Academy that they changed their decision. There were so many people who shared their personal traumas and joys in the telling of this story. I feel they deserve to have as many platforms as possible to get their story into the world. And the Academy Awards has the ability to greatly amplify a story and get it attention.
The movie, which was made independently, was first shown at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2023 and later released on Paramount+.
What is the plot of Kiss the Future documentary?
Kiss the Future focuses on the hardiness of the people of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War and on the efforts done by the band U2 to combat the indifference of the world concerning their plight. This documentary explores how music, notably that of the band U2, plays a key role in bringing hope and togetherness amongst the citizens of Sarajevo.
It goes deep into the stories of Sarajevans and how many of them turned to music for comfort amid war. The voices are enjoined in the praise of the work’s emotional, unrestrained narration that reflects the cruelty of the war and the healing power of art.
By foregrounding U2’s activities and support during the siege, the war is viewed differently in the film. The concert of Bono and U2 in Sarajevo in 1997 was perceived as a milestone in the process of rehabilitation of that city, the relevance of which the film is preoccupied with trying to show the world.
The film was also praised for informing the audience about the effects of the war while also promoting the defiance of the people of Sarajevo. The critics pointed out that the film made good use of practical elements, such as archival footage and interviews, to convincingly recreate that period, enhancing the plot and providing the viewers with vivid pictures of that era and setting.
Kiss the Future competes with Daughters and Dahomey for the Oscars
Having been attached to the official documentary section of the 97th Academy Awards, this film goes ahead to face competing titles such as Netflix’s Daughters and Mubi’s Dahomey.
It is still a tough battle in which the documentary aims for a place in the first 15 films that will be announced as the Official Shortlisted films by mid-December.
Variety reports, as of now, 90 films have been uploaded on the Academy Screening Room, an online platform available for official contenders only to AMPAS members, which number is likely to increase quite considerably in the forthcoming weeks. However, some of them, include Apple’s Girls State and Netflix’s Martha.
List of documentaries predicted to compete for the Oscars
According to the outlet, the Oscar race for Best Documentary Feature in 2025 includes a strong lineup that explores varied and revolving around impactful topics. Early predictions indicate a few standout contenders, including 20 Days in Mariupol, a harrowing portrayal of life in Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
Beyond Utopia has also gained attention, detailing the escape journeys of defectors from North Korea, which was highly praised at Sundance. Another anticipated entry is American Symphony, directed by Matthew Heineman, focusing on musician Jon Batiste’s challenges as his wife battles cancer.
Additionally, Stamped from the Beginning, an adaptation of Ibram X. Kendi’s work, and Occupied City, directed by Steve McQueen, a documentary about Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation, are predicted to be strong contenders due to their powerful narratives and cinematographic styles.
Documentaries like Silver Dollar Road and The Eternal Memory also promise to bring emotional depth to the category, potentially leaving a memorable impact on the Academy voters.
Stream Kiss the Future on Paramount+.
