Navid Mahmoudi's film "Parting" will represent Afghanistan at the Oscars. The film is a co-production between Iran and Afghanistan and marks the 11th time the country submits to the Academy Awards.

"Parting" tells the story of two young Afghans, Fereshteh and Nabi, who are in love, but Fereshteh has to follow her parents and leave Afghanistan to find refuge in Iran. As a result, Nabi decides to illegally cross the border, find Fereshteh and take her through Turkey towards Europe and a better life. The film hasd its world premiere at the Busan Film festival where it scored rave reviews.

Afghanistan has not received a nomination even though it began submitting in 2002. Among the films it has submitted include "The Patience Stone," which was released by Sony Pictures Classics and "The Black Tulip," which was shortlisted for two songs and not the Foreign Language Category.

Last year the country submitted the film "Utopia" but was unable to make the January shortlist and received very little exposure at festivals.

Every year numerous countries submit films to the Academy of Motion Picture, Arts and Sciences to compete for the Foreign Language Category. This year a diverse number of countries have already submitted films. Among the top contenders this year include Cannes competition films "Toni Erdmann," Pedro Almodovar's "Julieta," and "Sieranevada." Other contenders include Venice Film Festival winner "From Afar," Tribeca Film Festival darling "El Clasico, Toronto selection "The Ardennes" and Karlovy Vary Selections "House of Others" and "Kills on Wheels."

In recent years the Academy has awarded "Son of Saul," "Ida," "The Great Beauty," and "A Separation" the best foreign language film of the year.

The deadline to submit for the foreign language category is Oct. 3. On Jan. 17 the Academy will announce the nine finalists from among the eligible films and on Jan. 24 nominations will be announced. The winner will be announced at the Oscar ceremony on Feb. 26, 2017.

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