“Universal Language,” directed by Matthew Rankin, is a surreal comedy that serves as Canada’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards. The film premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in the Directors’ Fortnight section and later had its Canadian premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Set in an alternate universe where Winnipeg, Quebec, and Tehran converge into one surreal landscape, the film weaves together three seemingly unrelated stories: Negin and Nazgol, who stumble upon money frozen in ice; Massoud, a bewildered tour guide in Winnipeg; and Rankin himself, who portrays a disillusioned civil servant returning home to visit his mother. Rankin’s film blends absurdist comedy with disorientation, reflecting on the nuances of identity, displacement, and cultural intersections. The aesthetic of the film is described as eccentric and whimsical, filled with bizarre yet memorable scenes—like a man wearing a Christmas tree as clothing or a pharmacy where all labels are generic beige tributes. Critics have praised the film for its unique storytelling approach, calling it a “magnificent film” that balances originality with a warm, familiar tone. “Universal Language” has received positive critical acclaim, winning the Audience Award at the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight and the Bright Horizons Award at the Melbourne International Film Festival, highlighting its impact on the international film circuit. In an exclusive interview with Universal Cinema Journal, director Matthew Rankin delves into the creative process behind “Universal Language,” offering insights into the inspirations, challenges, and artistic choices that shaped this Oscar-contending film. What follows is a video summary of the in-depth report, capturing the essence of Rankin’s vision and the film’s journey through the festival circuit.
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