Canadian filmmaker Matthew Rankin’s Oscar-contending film Universal Language is a comic homage to his hometown, Winnipeg. The mid-sized Canadian capital often appears in American family movies but deserves its own spotlight. Rankin uses local locations and personal stories to create a surrealist vision of the city, blending life, family history, and dreams.
The film follows characters like tour guide Massoud (Pirouz Nemati) visiting abandoned malls and a historic parking lot with a parallel parking incident. A lengthy moment of silence at Louis Riel’s gravesite adds an unusual touch. This is Winnipeg as seen through Rankin’s unique lens – quirky, overlooked, and rich in local history.
Universal Language has gained critical acclaim, including a spot on Vulture’s best movies of 2024 list. The film will screen in US theaters this week, with Canada submitting it for the Academy Awards.
Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-14/winnipeg-shows-off-its-surreal-side-in-oscar-contender-universal-language