Director Janchivdorj Sengedorj’s “Silent City Driver” has been chosen to represent Mongolia in the best international feature film category at the 98th Academy Awards.
The decision was made by the country’s National Selection Committee.
“Silent City Driver” follows Myagmar, played by A. Tuvshinbayar, a man released after 14 years in prison who returns to a changed world. Alienated, struggling with kidney failure and unable to reconnect, he shelters stray dogs, seeks occasional anonymous encounters, and finds work as a hearse driver. There he crosses paths with a blind coffin maker, his daughter Saruul, and a Buddhist monk, figures through whom he tentatively seeks redemption. The story takes a darker turn as Saruul becomes a victim of blackmail and Myagmar confronts the limits of forgiveness, leading to a devastating choice.
“Silent City Driver” has built momentum on the festival circuit, winning the Grand Prix for best film and best production design at Tallinn Black Nights in 2024, and the Purple Mulberry at Italy’s Udine Far East Film Festival in 2025.
Sengedorj’s previous film, 2022’s “The Sales Girl,” also won the audience award at Udine, in addition to best film at the Vesoul Asian Film Festival.
Mongolia has been submitting films to the Oscars since 2003 but has yet to land a nomination. The 2023 entry, “City of Wind,” premiered in Venice but did not make the shortlist. Last year’s entry, “If Only I Could Hibernate,” debuted at Cannes and did not advance to the Oscar shortlist.
The Oscar international feature shortlist will be announced on Dec. 16 and the final five nominees will be announced on Jan. 22.
