“Tajikistan Submits Shahram Mokri’s Captivating ‘Black Rabbit, White Rabbit’ for Oscar Consideration”
Tajikistan has officially chosen “Black Rabbit, White Rabbit,” the latest cinematic creation from acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Shahram Mokri, to represent the nation in the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming Oscars 2026. This riveting mystery drama is a collaborative production between Tajikistan and the United Arab Emirates, showcasing the rich cinematic talents of both regions.
Supported by Tajikfilm in Tajikistan, the film is produced in both Tajik and Persian languages, reflecting the cultural diversity of its heritage. Honaronline reported that the cast features an impressive lineup of talented actors, including:
- Hasti Mohammaï
- Kibriyo Dilyobova
- Bezhan Davlyatov
- Babak Karimi (Iranian actor)
The screenplay for “Black Rabbit, White Rabbit” is crafted by Mokri in collaboration with Nasim Ahmadpour, while the production is led by Negar Eskandarfar. This film has already garnered significant acclaim, winning the prestigious International Film Festival of India – Vision Asian Award at the Busan International Film Festival. It is scheduled to be showcased at the BFI London Film Festival and the Chicago International Film Festival, further highlighting its global appeal.
The synopsis of the film presents a captivating narrative: “A suspicious film prop, a mysterious audition, a conspiratorial road incident, and multiple rabbits are woven together in this bold and beguiling drama from Tajikistan. A film armorer suspects a fake firearm is real. An actor arrives on set demanding a role. A car crash victim fears her accident was deliberate. Three seemingly disparate stories weave into an enigmatic whole, with flowing, expertly choreographed takes, no small amount of droll humor, and flashes of magic realism punctuating Mokri’s playful, subtly provocative meta-mystery.”
This production marks the fourth time Tajikistan has submitted a film for consideration in the international Oscar race, yet the country has yet to receive a nomination. “Black Rabbit, White Rabbit” represents a significant step forward for Tajik cinema on the global stage.
Notably, this film is Mokri’s fifth feature-length project. His previous work, “Fish & Cat” (2013), received a special award in the Orizzonti (Horizons) section at the Venice Film Festival. Following this, he directed “Invasion” (2017), which was showcased at the Berlin International Film Festival, and “Careless Crime” (2020), which also screened at Venice and won the jury prize at the Chicago International Film Festival.
Mokri is not only a talented filmmaker but also a prominent figure in the film community, having co-founded the ISFA Cinema House Short Film Association. He served on the association’s board of directors for three terms and was recognized in 2003 as the best young artist in the country by the National Youth Organization.
As the Oscars approach, there have been a total of 86 submissions for the 98th Academy Awards. The anticipation builds as the 15-film shortlist is set to be announced on December 16, with the final five nominees revealed on January 22, 2026. The Oscars ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 15, 2026.
In conclusion, “Black Rabbit, White Rabbit” not only signifies a major achievement for Tajikistan in cinema but also highlights the collaboration between nations in the film industry. With its intriguing storyline and talented cast, this film is poised to capture the attention of audiences and critics alike on its journey to the Oscars.
