Canada’s Pick: Dolan’s I Killed My Mother is Foreign Language Oscar Submission

Beating out some stiff competition such as Denis Villenueve’s Polytechnique, Xavier Dolan’s I Killed My Mother (J’ai Tue Ma Mere) is Canada’s pick for the best foreign language film. The highly praised debut that commenced its film festival life on a high note (picking up 3 awards at the Director’s Fortnight in Cannes) the film was as reported by Screen Daily selected through a 24-person pan-Canadian committee representing industry associations and government agencies. The film was picked up by Here Films stateside, and they know a thing or two about getting Oscar to vote their way – under the Regent label they won last year’s Best Foreign Film Oscar for Departures (Okuribito). 

The film tells the story of Hubert Minel who dislikes his mother. For his sixteen years, with contempt, he only sees her ugly sweaters, kitschy décor and the bread crumbs that lodge in the corners of her lips when she eats noisily. Beyond these irritating things, there is also the manipulation and guilt, mechanisms dear to his Mother. Confused by their love-hate relationship, Hubert also experiences typical adolescent moments – artistic discoveries, experiences of friendship, sex and ostracism.

We interviewed Xavier before heading out to Cannes – here is that interview.