National Award-winning filmmaker Vinod Kapri has taken the independent submission route to submit his film Pyre to the 99th Academy Awards. The film has been submitted for consideration in the General Entry categories, alongside India’s official selection process for the Best International Feature Film category. The filmmaker confirmed his submission, explaining that he believes independent films should have an opportunity to compete on their own merit.
Vinod Kapri on submitting Pyre to the Oscars
While speaking to India Today, Vinod Kapri reflected on the journey of the film, which has already been featured at several international film festivals, and even won multiple awards despite the challenges of securing a theatrical release. The filmmaker admitted that he never expected that Pyre would strike a chord with audiences across the world to such an extent.
He shared, “We made Pyre independently, with complete faith in the story and the people who brought it to life. We never imagined that two ordinary people from a small Himalayan village would touch so many hearts across the world. The film has travelled to international festivals, won awards and, most importantly, found its audience.”
He further explained that his decision to pursue the Oscars came from their belief that independent cinema deserves a fair chance to compete on its own merit. Kapri said, “We believe independent cinema deserves the opportunity to compete on its own merits. Our decision to pursue the Academy Awards through the applicable independent submission route is an extension of that belief. This is not just a journey for our film; it is also a journey for the many independent filmmakers who continue to tell stories against all odds.”
Notably, Marathi film Gondhal, directed by Santosh Davakhar, has been selected as India’s official entry in the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards, scheduled to take place in 2027.
Vinod Kapri slams Pyre losing out on screens
Earlier, Kapri had publicly criticised theatre owners and distributors for drastically reducing the screenings of his independent film, Pyre, and prioritising the big-budget release Ramayana: Rise of a Legend. He alleged that at least 75 per cent of Pyre’s screenings were removed after its release.
Meanwhile, Ramayana has also been submitted for consideration at the 99th Academy Awards.
