Nepal Filmmakers Challenge Oscar Pick, Director Claims Bribe Offer

A group of prominent Nepali filmmakers has filed a formal complaint with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences challenging the selection of “Anjila” as Nepal‘s Oscar submission, alleging procedural violations and conflicts of interest in the selection process. But the film’s director is firing back, claiming rivals offered up to $100,000 to unseat his movie.

The controversy centers on “Anjila,” a biographical drama about Anjila Tumbapo Subba, captain and goalkeeper of Nepal’s national women’s soccer team, with Subba playing herself in the lead role. The film follows her journey from being confined within her home to becoming team captain, showcasing her struggles against societal expectations and determination to excel in sports.

In a written statement provided to Variety, “Anjila” director Milan Chams dismisses the protest as “personal disappointment” and claims Samundra Bhatta, director of competing film “Gunyo Cholo,” offered up to $100,000 to get “Anjila” withdrawn from consideration while boasting about Academy connections through her executive producer.

“She expressed complete confidence that her film would be selected, citing personal relationships with committee members,” Chams said. “The final decision came as a shock to her.”

The Academy declined to comment.

The controversy erupted when Nepal’s Oscar selection committee announced “Anjila” as the country’s International Feature submission on Sept. 5, following what critics say was a rigged nine-day application window during a national crisis that included curfews and the Prime Minister’s resignation.

According to the complaint, Jeevan Kumar Parajuli served as both a voting committee member and the media coordinator for “Anjila,” creating what the complainants describe as an obvious conflict of interest.

The selection committees for all countries are required to adhere to the rules and…