“A Mile in My Shoes” directed by Said Khallaf will represent Morocco in competition for the 2017 Oscars for Best Foreign Language Film.

The film tells the story of a poor teenager, mired in suffering and oppression, who makes up his mind to take revenge. The film premiered at Tangier and Durban Film Festivals where it scored rave reviews. However, the movie has not been given the worldwide exposure other contenders currently have.

Morocco began submitting films to the Academy in 1977 but did not do so regularly until very recently. The country has never been nominated for the Oscars but was shortlisted in 2011 for the film "Omar Killed Me." That film was nominated for a number of Cesar Awards and was internationally acclaimed.

Last year the country submitted "Aida" but the movie never took off internationally.

Morocco may not be a favorite this year for the nomination but the category is unpredictable and anything is possible. However, it will first have to compete against some favorites "House of Others," "Sieranevada," "The Ardennes," "Chevalier" and "Mother." Other films that will also be strong competitors include "El Clasico," "From Afar" and "Neruda."

The Foreign Language Film deadline to submit 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.

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