First Vatican-Produced Film Submitted to Oscars Boarded by Hollywood Ventures Group (EXCLUSIVE)

Hollywood Ventures Group has joined the Oscar campaign for “Green Lava”, a 39-minute documentary short produced in collaboration with the Vatican. It is the first Vatican-produced film submitted for Oscar consideration in the Academy Awards’ 97-year history, although it will not represent the Vatican as an official national entry.

Directed by Lia Beltrami and Ali Aksu, the film follows Giacomo Mattivi, a young Italian man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, after his brother dies from the condition. It explores how he draws strength from community and nature, against the backdrop of the Dolomites. The film completed its Oscar-qualifying theatrical run in Beverly Hills from 18 to 24 September; Hollywood Ventures Group says it will help raise the film’s profile and explore distribution opportunities.