As Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa’s film Homebound edges closer to the Oscars, renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese has expressed he was “deeply moved” by its poignant narrative. The film has secured a place among the 15 contenders for the International Feature Film category.
The Academy announced via X that “fifteen films advanced to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category.” India’s Homebound is competing alongside notable films including Argentina’s BELÉN, Brazil’s THE SECRET AGENT, France’s IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT, Germany’s SOUND OF FALLING, the Iraqi film THE PRESIDENT’S CAKE, Japan’s KOKUHO, Jordan’s ALL THAT’S LEFT OF YOU, Norway’s SENTIMENTAL VALUE, Palestine’s PALESTINE 36, South Korea’s NO OTHER CHOICE, Spain’s SIRÂT, Switzerland’s LATE SHIFT, Taiwan’s LEFT-HANDED GIRL, and Tunisia’s THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB.
“Oscar nominations will be announced on Thursday, January 22nd,” stated the announcement.
As director Neeraj Ghaywan’s film progresses towards the Oscars, Scorsese shared his thoughts in an Instagram video, reflecting on his conversation with Ghaywan. He noted: “I’m very happy to be associated as an Executive Producer on HOMEBOUND (@homeboundthefilm), shortlisted in the Best International Feature category at this year’s Academy Awards. I was deeply moved by this true story of two young men whose friendship and search for dignity speak to the need for empathy and human connection in a divided world.”
In the clip, Scorsese reminisced about reading the script for Homebound. “I remember working on the script with you. And so in a way, I’ve been living with it for about three years. And so for me, it’s part of… quite honestly, it’s very satisfying that it’s here. I love the audiences in America to see this picture, because I know that it’s based on a real story. And what was interesting to me, too, was that, you know, I didn’t know the story.”
He further shared, “Aside from all of us suffering through COVID, the tragedy of the image also shows the joy of these two characters, the joy of these two young men, and the joy of life. I’m impressed by how you related to the story that way, rather than a ponderous lecture.”
Ghaywan emphasized his approach to the film, stating, “I realized that the way to see this film would be to eschew sloganeering and political grandstanding. The vehicle of friendship is so potent; it is an act of resistance. Connection is a form of resistance. There’s a lot of hate going on. We’re labeling people, pigeonholing them. That hate has gone too far.”
He concluded with a powerful message: “I think it’s about time that we sit across from our adversaries and empathize with them. We can ideologically disagree and have different worldviews, but we cannot forget the humanity between us. That was the intent with this film.”
Ghaywan expressed his gratitude to Scorsese in the comments, saying, “Sir, I will forever be grateful for your kindness and unswerving generosity. Your insights during the writing and editing have been invaluable and have shaped the film to be liked by so many across the world!”
Actor Ishaan Khatter also shared his appreciation, stating, “As a young actor from anywhere in the world, to have a nod of approval from your masterful gaze is a blessing to cherish for a lifetime. Thank you for your grace, sir. Your presence and contribution on our film is priceless. Only love and respect.”
Homebound narrates the journey of Shoaib and Chandan, childhood friends from a small village in North India, who aspire to become police officers, hoping that the role will earn them the respect they have always yearned for. However, as they draw closer to their goal, the pressures and struggles of life begin to threaten their friendship.