Universal Language: A cinematic journey through a reimagined Canada
Universal Language, Canada’s Oscar entry directed by Matthew Rankin, has garnered significant attention and acclaim, securing distribution deals across major territories ahead of its North American premieres at the Toronto and New York Film Festivals.
A global embrace
Represented by the Brussels-based company Best Friend Forever, Universal Language made its world premiere at the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, where it won the inaugural People’s Choice Award. Following its screenings in Toronto and New York, the film is set to feature at Fantastic Fest and Festival du Nouveau Cinema as the festival opener. Additionally, it clinched the Bright Horizons Best Film Award at the Melbourne International Film Festival.
The film has been acquired for distribution in several countries, including France (Météore Films), Scandinavia (Njutafilms), Germany & Austria (Rapid Eye Movies), Switzerland (Outside The Box), Spain (Filmin), Portugal (Nitrato Filmes), CEI (Universal Distribution), Japan (The Klockworx), China (DDDream), Taiwan (Hooray Films), Brazil (Belas Artes Grupo), Indonesia (Falcon Pictures), and India (Big Tree Entertainment). Negotiations are ongoing for Benelux, the UK, and Australia. In North America, Oscilloscope Laboratories will release the film in the U.S., while Maison 4:3 will handle the Canadian release.
A surreal comedy in a reimagined Canada
Universal Language is a comedy set in an alternate Canada where Persian and French are the official languages. The narrative weaves through the lives of various characters, including gradeschoolers Negin and Nazgol, who discover a sum of money frozen in winter ice and attempt to claim it. Meanwhile, Massoud leads a group of increasingly confused tourists through Winnipeg’s historic sites, and Matthew embarks on a mysterious journey after quitting his mundane job in a Québecois government office.
The film is produced by Sylvain Corbeil at Metafilms, a leading Canadian production company known for its work with Xavier Dolan and films like The Nature of Love, Falcon Lake, and Felix and Meira. Oscilloscope Labs serves as the executive producer.
Matthew Rankin’s cinematic legacy
Matthew Rankin’s previous works have also received critical acclaim. His film The Twentieth Century won the Berlinale Fipresci Award in 2020 and the Best Canadian Debut Award at TIFF Midnight Madness in 2019. His 2017 short film The Tesla World Light premiered at Cannes Critic’s Week, further establishing his reputation as a visionary filmmaker.
Best Friend Forever’s fall lineup
Best Friend Forever’s fall lineup features a diverse array of films, including Marie Losier’s documentary Peaches Goes Bananas, which is premiering at Venice Days, and Min Bahadur Bham’s Locarno prizewinning Shambhala. Other notable premieres include the kung-fu romantic comedy Zenithal by Jean Baptiste Saurel and Lenny and Harpo Guit’s Heads or Fails, a follow-up to Mother Schmuckers set to play at Austin Fantastic Fest.
Personal reflections for cinema enthusiasts
As a cinema enthusiast, the allure of Universal Language lies in its unique blend of surreal comedy and cultural exploration. The film’s premise of a reimagined Canada with Persian and French as official languages offers a fresh and intriguing perspective. The intertwining stories of the characters promise a rich tapestry of humor, mystery, and human connection.
For those who appreciate the art of filmmaking, Matthew Rankin’s work is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation. His ability to craft compelling narratives that challenge conventional storytelling is truly inspiring. Universal Language is not just a film; it’s an experience that invites viewers to see the world through a different lens.
Explore more
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of Universal Language, you can watch the trailer and explore more about the film. Additionally, you can check out Matthew Rankin’s previous works, such as The Twentieth Century and The Tesla World Light, to appreciate his unique cinematic style.
Universal Language is a film that promises to captivate audiences with its imaginative storytelling and cultural richness. As it continues to make waves in the film festival circuit and beyond, it stands as a testament to the power of cinema to transcend boundaries and bring people together through the universal language of storytelling.