Irish movie Viva shortlised for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language

Congratulations are in order for the makers of Irish film Viva today, as it has been shortlisted for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language.

The film has progressed to the shortlist of 9 from an initial 80 entries.

Directed by Paddy Breathnach and written by Mark O’Halloran, the Spanish-language film tells the story of Jesus - a young man growing up in Cuba.

The movie follows the eighteen year old realize his true self while trying to find his niche at the local drag club in Havana.

Irish Film: Powerful poster for Paddy Breathnach's Oscar contender Viva #IrishFilm https://t.co/AjzmMO9xPe pic.twitter.com/pRH6T4PMMh

— Scannain (@Scannain_com) December 8, 2015

“This project was a real labour of love,” producer Rob Walpole said.

“It seemed like a crazy proposition: a crew of Irish people going to Cuba to tell this story”.

The five nominated films for the Foreign Language category will be announced in January before the 88th Academy Awards take place on February 28, 2016.