Throughout the world, films are being made that showcase a variety of different languages, cultures, and stories, but many of them go unnoticed by international audiences.
When the Academy Award season comes around, there isn’t much of a focus on non-English language films outside of the Best International Feature Film category. With the exception of “The Zone of Interest,” “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “Roma,” and “Parasite,” international films rarely get any recognition in other categories.
A diverse, compelling collection of international films from the past decade have been ignored by mainstream award ceremonies. The stories that they tell provide excellent insight into the nations and cultures that they come from.
I’m No Longer Here (2019)
Ya no estoy aqui
“I’m No Longer Here,” directed by Fernando Frías de la Parra, tells the story of Ulises, a Mexican teenager from Monterrey who is a member of a ‘Kolombia’ group. However, he is forced to flee to the United States after the lives of his family and himself are put in danger. This film tells the story of longing for your homeland after being forced to leave. The relationship between Ulises, played by Juan Daniel García Treviño, and Lin, a girl he meets in New York played by Xueming Angelina, wonderfully demonstrates the idea of communicating without sharing a language. I found the complex, yet endearing nature of their relationship to be one the richest parts of the film. Mexico submitted “I’m No Longer Here” to the Oscars, but it was not nominated. Overall, this film provides an emotional, raw look into forced migration and yearning for normalcy in times of change. “I’m No Longer Here” can be streamed on Netflix.
Joyland (2022)
جوائے لینڈ
“Joyland,” directed by Saim Sadiq, provides an unfiltered view into a Pakistani family and the troubles that they face. The film focuses on Haider, played by Ali Junejo, his wife Mumtaz, played by Rasti Farooq, and his boss Biba, played by Alina Khan. After a period of unemployment, Haider finally gets a job as a backup dancer for Biba. The love triangle between these three characters has various effects on their lives, culminating in a complex, thought-provoking ending. Sadiq does a stellar job at portraying the complex emotions of each character, while still developing a strong, central storyline. “Joyland” gives viewers a look into how loyalty, trust, and yearning push people towards difficult decisions. “Joyland” can be streamed for free on Kanopy or Tubi.
Night of the Kings (2020)
La Nuit des rois
“Night of the Kings,” directed by Philippe Lacôte, tells the story of Roman, a man sent to the La Maca prison in the Ivory Coast, played by Bakary Koné. When he arrives he is chosen as the prison’s storyteller, setting the stage for the remainder of the film. On top of the other subplots in the prison, Roman’s storytelling combines aspects of modern aspects of Ivorian society with cultural and fantasy elements. Lacôte’s writing and directing creates an immersive environment that brings viewers closer to the characters. “Night of the Kings” can be streamed for free on Kanopy or Tubi.
Bacurau (2019)
“Bacurau,” co-directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho and Juliano Dornelles, depicts a small Brazilian town that becomes the target of unusual events, including their erasure from maps. Mendonça is most well-known for directing the 2025 Oscar-nominated film “The Secret Agent,” but “Bacurau” tells a very distinct story. The cast of this film shines and the actors complement each other, while maintaining their own individuality. Sônia Braga and Silvero Pereira particularly stood out to me, as their characters felt the most distinct. Even though the film is defined as a western, it is nothing like other films in the genre, as it truly is a genre-bending work of art. “Bacurau” can be streamed for free on Kanopy.
On Becoming a Guinea Fowl (2024)
“On Becoming a Guinea Fowl,” directed by Rungano Nyoni portrays the emotionally difficult days for three Zambian cousins following the death of their Uncle Fred. Shula, played by Susan Chardy, Nsansa, played by Elizabeth Chisela, and Bupe, played by Esther Singini discover shared trauma when confronting their repressed emotions. Nyoni does a stellar job at depicting the difficult subject of the film, while paying careful attention to the stories of the three women. This film was brilliantly crafted and finished with a hauntingly beautiful ending that truly gives the film an appropriate conclusion. “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” can be streamed on HBO Max.
Nations around the world produce a wide variety of films that deserve to be viewed and appreciated, no matter the language barrier.
