Sophy Romvari directs the semi-autobiographical family drama Blue Heron which became a festival darling prior to its Canadian debut this month. The cast includes Eylul Guven, Amy Zimmer, Ádám Tompa, and Iringó Réti. At last year’s Toronto Film Festival, Heron picked up a Best Canadian Discovery prize. That same city’s critics association bestowed their Best First Feature award to Romvari’s feature-length debut.

As more reviews have come in, the Rotten Tomatoes score has stayed at 100% with Metacritic at a noticeable 93. Janus Films is handling stateside distribution. Canada and Hungary are the two countries that handled financial backing. If either one of them select this as their candidate for International Feature Film at the Oscars, it could certainly be in the mix.

Don’t be surprised if our neighbor to the north does so. 2003’s The Barbarian Invasions is the only Canadian title to win IFF. Four other pics from that nation have made the quintet in the 21st century with 2012’s War Witch as the last nominee.

The Hungarians also have a track record with 2015’s Son of Saul as their sole 21st century winner while 2017’s On Body and Soul was nominated. Either nation could have a genuine contender with Blue Heron and this is one to keep on your list for consideration. My Oscar Prediction posts will continue…