MEXICO CITY — Helmer-scribe Michel Franco’s drama “After Lucia” (Despues de Lucia) is Mexico’s submission to compete in the foreign-language category for the Oscars.
The 2012 Un Certain Regard winner turns on the downward spiral of Alejandra (Tessa Ia) brought on by the death of her mother and the brutality of her classmates in her new home.
Franco’s second feature has won critical praise for potently addressing the tech-infused bullying going on in schools around the world and Ia’s portrayal of Ale, desperate to protect her father from further grief.
“After Lucia” is a Pop Films, Lemon Films and Filmadora Nacional production in co-production with Stromboli Films and Trebol Stone. International sales are handled by Bac Films in Paris. “Lucia” will see wide release in Mexico Oct. 19.
The Mexican Academy of Film Arts and Sciences, the body that select’s Mexico’s Oscar choice every year, also announced Wednesday “Lucia” would be the nation’s nominee to contend in the Ibero-American category for Spain’s Goya Awards.
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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce the five nominees for best foreign film on Jan. 10. The 85th Academy Awards ceremony takes place Feb. 24.
