Canada’s Oscar entry ‘Universal Language’ set for U.S. release

Oscilloscope Laboratories has acquired distribution rights for “Universal Language,” Canada’s official Oscar entry, directed by Matthew Rankin. The film, which won the inaugural Audience Award at the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, will hit select U.S. theaters on February 12. Represented globally by Best Friend Forever, “Universal Language” aims to bring a fresh comedic lens to cultural hybridity and linguistic diversity.

A cross-cultural comedy with heart

“Universal Language” is a whimsical comedy set in a fantastically reimagined Canada where Persian and French are the two official languages. The film weaves multiple storylines featuring characters from various walks of life.

Key characters and their journeys

Negin and Nazgol: Two gradeschoolers who stumble upon a frozen sum of money and decide to claim it.
Massoud: A confused tour guide who takes bewildered tourists through the historical landmarks of Winnipeg.
Matthew: A disenchanted government employee who embarks on a mysterious quest to visit his mother after quitting his meaningless job.

written by Pirouz Nemati and Ila Firouzabadi, this narrative tapestry not only entertains but also explores deeper themes of belonging and identity.

Celebrated roots and reception

Matthew Rankin, celebrated for his surreal previous work “The Twentieth Century,” brings his unique vision to “Universal Language.” The film has already been showered with accolades, including the Canadian Discovery nod at the Toronto International Film Festival, and has screened at prominent festivals like the New York Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival, and BFI London.

Director Matthew Rankin reflects on the film’s ethos:

“The premise of our movie is working from a position of no borders and absolute belonging. In a time of increasingly rigid binaries and fulminating reactions, we hope our movie stands witness to the fundamental capacity of people – between whom you might imagine great distance – to create a gentle world together and even have a few laughs before the sun goes down.”

A visionary production team

“Universal Language” was crafted by a close-knit creative team, perfectly encapsulated in Rankin’s words:

“‘Universal Language’ was made by a group of very close and very crazy friends. Our prismatic, interdimensional Venn diagram of Winnipeg within Tehran within Montréal is an expression of our friendship and our lives together.”

This collaboration has produced a film that Rankin hopes will inspire audiences to embrace the absurdity and beauty of life. Oscilloscope Laboratories President Daniel Berger praised Rankin, calling him:

“a rare and dynamic talent. ‘Universal Language’ has received phenomenal love from audiences and critics alike. Partnering with a team this creatively driven is truly inspiring, and we believe this film has the power to brighten the world for everyone who sees it.”

Bringing ‘Universal Language’ to the American audience

With the February 12 U.S. release date approaching, Oscilloscope Laboratories is poised to introduce American viewers to the charming and thought-provoking world of “Universal Language.” This distribution marks another milestone for Rankin and his team, as they continue to garner international acclaim. Produced by Sylvain Corbeil’s Metafilms, the film promises to be a vibrant addition to the cinematic landscape.

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