Thailand has selected Sompot Chidgasornpongse’s debut narrative feature, 9 Temples to Heaven, as its entry for the best international feature category at the 99th Academy Awards. The choice gives Thailand another opportunity to secure its first Oscar nomination in the category, following last year’s historic shortlist appearance.

The selection body chose the film from 51 eligible titles after several rounds of deliberation, praising its originality, quality, themes and international critical response. Premiered in Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight in May, the family road film follows a man taking his ailing mother and relatives on a nine-temple pilgrimage; it has since won festival honours, will open in Thailand on 17 September, and is due to premiere in North America at the New York Film Festival.