Switzerland submits Gaza refugee documentary ‘Who is Still Alive’ for Oscar Best International Feature

Switzerland’s Oscar committee selected Nicolas Wadimoff’s documentary ‘Who is Still Alive’ as the nation’s 2027 contender for Best International Feature. The experimental work portrays nine Palestinian refugees recreating their flight from Gaza on a minimalist stage outlined in chalk, a visual approach reminiscent of Lars von Trier’s ‘Dogville.’ After premiering in the Venice Days lineup at the Venice Film Festival, the film was acquired for U.S. release by Watermelon Pictures, which plans a domestic rollout later this year.

International sales are being managed by First Hand Films. The project was produced by Geneva-based Akka Films in co-production with France’s Easy Rider Films, the Palestinian/Jordanian Philistine Films, London’s Cocoon Films, and Swiss broadcaster RTS Radio Télévision Suisse. The Academy will release the shortlist on Dec. 15, with nominees announced on Jan. 21 and the ceremony scheduled for March 14, 2027.