2018 director Jude Anthany Joseph apologises after film fails to make it to Oscars shortlist

Jude Anthany Joseph expressed his disappointment after his directorial 2018 - Everyone Is A Hero failed to make it to the Oscars shortlist. Starring Tovino Thomas, the film was India's official entry to the Best International Feature category. Taking to his social media handle, he penned a long note, apologising to his well-wishers and fans for not being able to make a cut.

Regrettably our film 2018- Everyone Is A Hero did not secure a spot: Jude Anthany Joseph

On December 22, the Oscars unveiled the list of 15 films that have been selected in the Best International Feature category. Sharing a screenshot of the films that have been shortlisted, the 2018 director took to his Instagram handle and shared a note revealing that it was a "dream-like journey" to represent India in this competition.

He started his note by apologising, "Greetings, everyone. The Oscar shortlist has been unveiled, and regrettably, our film “2018- Everyone Is A Hero” did not secure a spot among the final 15 films out of the 88 international language films from across the globe. I sincerely apologize to all my well-wishers and supporters for disappointing you all."

Jude revealed that being selected as an official Indian entry to the Oscars was a "rare achievement". He added, "Nevertheless, the opportunity to represent India in this competition has been a dream-like journey that I will cherish for a lifetime. Being the highest-grossing film and the official Indian entry to the Oscars is a rare achievement in any filmmaker’s career. I am grateful to God for choosing me for this extraordinary journey."

Jude Anthany Joseph thanks Guneet Monga and other filmmakers for their support

In his note Sidharth Roy Kapoor, Guneet Monga, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Resul Pookkutty, and SS Rajamouli, among others, found a special mention. The 2018 director thanked them for supporting him throughout the journey. He wrote, “My heartfelt thanks go to the producers, technicians, artists, and the audience for their tremendous support for our film. A special expression of gratitude to the Film Federation Of India, particularly Sir Ravi Kottarakkara, for their boundless support, love, and for selecting our film as India’s official entry. I express my gratitude to all the Indian filmmakers who supported me on this journey, with special thanks to Pan Nalin, Sidharth Roy Kapoor, Guneet Monga, Rintu Thomas, Ashutosh Gowarikar sir, Resul Pookkutty sir, Anurag Kashyap, Rajamouli sir, Senthi sir and many more. :)”

The next dream begins today: Jude Anthany Joseph

This Oscar snub might have left the director disappointed but has not pulled down his spirit. He concluded the note by writing, "The inception of the next dream begins today, as the Oscars await, and I am poised to be present. Until we meet, dear Oscar."

Released earlier this year, 2018 is a disaster drama based on the Kerala floods of the same year. The film grossed more than Rs 200 crore worldwide, emerging as the biggest Malayalam-language hit of all time.