At a time when we need to understand more about the world, it is important the Oscars focus attention on films with subtitles. Like the documentary category, the process for nominating and selecting the films is flawed. But the nominations are vital since it is so hard to get foreign films released. I've seen so many films at festivals which should reach a wider audience.

While there are articles saying the situation is getting better, there were similar stories after "Life is Beautiful" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" came out. One real bright spot is DVD. Classic and recent films are being released by companies like Criterion and Kino. Plexifilm has released the Thai film "Mysterious Object at Noon." You can get Anime, Bollywood films, and Iranian cinema on DVD.

"El Crimen Del Padre Amaro" which is one of the best foreign film nominees will be out on DVD April 1st and "Y Tu Mama Tambien" which is nominated for best original screenplay is also available. It was one of last year's best films. "Talk to Her" which earned Pedro Almodóvar a best director nomination is still in theaters in some cities and will be out on DVD on May 27th.

"Nowhere In Africa" which won the Oscar for Caroline Link has opened in New York, LA, and Chicago and will be expanding to other cites soon. It is a gorgeous film about a Jewish family leaving Germany for Kenya before World War II which should be seen in a theater. Link's film "Beyond Silence" will be released on DVD April 8th.

"The Man Without A Past" begins opening April 4th. Director Aki Kaurismäki is not attending the Oscars in protest of the war in Iraq.

Gael Garcia who stars in both "El Crimen Del Padre Amaro" and "Y Tu Mama Tambien" made one of the most overt anti-war statements when introducing the performance of the best song performance from "Frida."

"Hero" is scheduled to be released by Miramax in November.

"Zus & Zo" has opened in New York and a few other cities and is being distributed by Lifesize.

Roger Ebert has written the Brazilian film "City of God" (which is playing in theaters) should have been nominated. The Academy doesn't recognize Palestine, so "Divine Intervention" (which is opening in theaters - see bottom of page) couldn't be nominated.