'Sivas' named Turkey's nominee for Oscars

Director Kaan Müjdeci?s film ?Sivas? has been selected as Turkey?s nominee for the Best Foreign Film Award at the 88th Academy Awards. 

Set in the steppes of Central Anatolia, the film is a coming-of-age story in which a boy, named Aslan, rescues a wounded Anatolian shepherd in a ditch, after which he forges a strong friendship with the dog.

According to a statement made by Artistic Events Commission head Mehmet Güleryüz, the selection committee, which is made up of representatives from the Culture and Tourism Ministry and cinema organizations, made the decision. 

?Sivas? was chosen for the main competition in the 71st edition of the Venice Film Festival last year and won the Special Jury Prize. 

This year 19 Turkish films applied to become an Oscar nominee, which is a record number, according to the statement.