Estonia has submitted "Mother" by Kadri Kõusaar to represent at the Oscars. The film, which tells the story of Elsa, a mother and full time caretaker of Lauri, a teacher who has been in a coma since being shot, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and later went on to screen at the Indiebo Film Festival in Bogota and Vancouver International Film Festival.

"Mother" marks the first time Kadri Kõusaar represents the country at the Oscars and it also marks her third feature film. The film is also one of teh few dark comedies submitted this year. Most of the films submitted thus far are dramas and this will definitely be a great way to stand out.

Estonia's history with the Academy is very short as it only started submitting in 1992 but in that time, it has obtained one nomination. That came in 2014 for the film "Tangerines." The movie premiered at the Jerusalem Film Festival and was also nominated for the Golden Globe and Satellite Awards.

Last year the country submitted "1944," a film that opened in Germany and later went on to become a huge box office success. It also broke the admissions record by achieving 44,879 admissions. It became the highest for an Estonian film that premiered in Estonia.

"Mother's" international acclaim and exposure will definitely be a plus for the Academy members who will be watching over 80 films. Some of these movies have obtained more buzz due to festivals and distribution deals. Among these films include "Desierto," "Neruda" and "From Afar." Other popular competitors include"Death in Sarajevo," "Letters from War," "On the Other Side." "Toni Erdman," "Julietta," and "The Happiest Day in the Life of the Olli Maki." With "Mother" having opened at the Tribeca Film Festival, Estonia may be on the verge of a second Oscar nomination.

The Academy is known for choosing some of the most critically acclaimed films out of the festival circuit. Most films that win have distribution deals lined up out festivals and have buzz from the beginning of awards season. Recently "Son of Saul," "Ida," "The Great Beauty," and "A Separation" won the Best Foreign language category.

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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