China has selected “Once Upon a Time in the Middle East” to be its representative for the Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards.
Directed by Wen Muye and starring Shen Teng, Jiang Qiming, Zhang Xiwei, Omar Sharif, and Aarif Rahman, the film, believed to be set against the backdrop of 2003 invasion of Iraq, tells the story of Xu Fu, a Chinese chef who travels to the Middle East to run a Chinese restaurant and struggles to survive amidst the war.
He then uses his meals to care for war orphans, conveying a hope for peace through the everyday life of Chinese cuisine.
The film’s producers stated, “Through a simple meal, we express our hope for peace; through the warmth of Chinese food, we convey love and compassion.”
The film was officially released in mainland China back in August and went on to gross more than RMB 2 billion at the Chinese box office.
The shortlist for the 99th Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film will be announced on 15 December 2026, with the five nominations to be revealed on 21 January 2027.
The awards ceremony itself is scheduled for 14 March 2027.
(Photo Source: Our China Story, Kwong Wah)