LONDON — Helmer Branko Schmidt’s disturbing story of an ambitious and amoral gynaecologist, “Cannibal Vegetarian,” has been chosen as Croatia’s nomination for foreign language Oscar consideration.
The film follows a doctor (Rene Bitorajac) at Croatia’s leading fertility clinic, whose ruthless ambition leads him to make a series of deadly mistakes.
Script was written by Schmidt and Ivo Balenovic, from the latter’s book, and produced by Zagreb-based Telefilm and pubcaster Croatian Radiotelevision.
It was chosen by a 17-strong committee of the Croatian Assn. of Filmmakers, beating Krsto Papica’s “Flower Square,” “Spots” (Aldo Tardozzi) and “Night Boats” (Igor Mirkovic).
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce the five nominees for best foreign film on Jan. 15. The 85th Academy Awards ceremony takes place Feb. 24.
