“Sink” Represents Jordan at the Oscars
Jordan has selected the feature film “Sink” (Ghraq), starring actor Mohamed Nizar, as its official submission in the International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.
The selection marks another important step in the film’s international journey and gives Mohamed Nizar a particularly notable milestone, as “Sink” becomes the second film starring him to be selected as a country’s official Oscar submission.
His previous experience came through the Palestinian film “Gaza Mon Amour,” which represented Palestine at the 93rd Academy Awards.
“Sink” is the first feature-length film by Jordanian writer and director Zain Duraie, who created a story centered on family relationships, mental health and the emotional pressure surrounding a mother and her son.
🎭 Mohamed Nizar Plays Basil
Mohamed Nizar plays Basil, the eldest son in a family dealing with a growing personal and emotional crisis.
The story centers on his mother Nadia, a wife and mother of three who attempts to support her son while also dealing with difficulties in her own life.
After Basil experiences a troubling incident at school and is suspended, Nadia tries to help him while remaining convinced that he simply needs support and guidance.
As his psychological condition deteriorates and his behavior becomes increasingly unstable, however, Nadia is forced to confront a situation that becomes more difficult to control.
❤️ The Mother-Son Relationship at the Heart of the Story
The relationship between Nadia and Basil is at the center of “Sink.”
Their bond begins as a close and supportive relationship, but gradually faces serious challenges as Basil’s condition develops.
Nadia continues to defend her son and tries to protect him from difficult situations. Her determination to see him as someone who only needs guidance, however, causes her to overlook warning signs connected to his worsening condition.
Through their relationship, the film explores themes of fear, denial and the stigma surrounding mental health, while also examining how personal crises can affect relationships within a family.
🌟 An International Festival Journey
“Sink” had already established an international presence before being selected as Jordan’s Oscar submission.
The film had its world premiere in the Discovery section of the Toronto International Film Festival, followed by appearances at several international and regional festivals.
Its festival journey included stops at events such as the London Film Festival, Red Sea International Film Festival, Carthage Film Days and Shanghai International Film Festival, in addition to its screening at the Amman International Film Festival.
The film also received awards during its festival journey, including the Bronze Tanit at Carthage Film Days, further adding to its international profile.
🎬 Zain Duraie’s Feature Film Debut
“Sink” marks the first feature-length film directed by Zain Duraie, following her earlier work, including the short film “Solace.”
With her first feature, Duraie builds the story around emotional relationships and psychological details, focusing particularly on Nadia and Basil and the changes they experience as the family crisis develops.
The film stars Clara Khoury as Nadia, Mohamed Nizar as Basil and Wissam Tobeileh as Jalal.
🏆 Mohamed Nizar Returns to the Oscars
The selection of “Sink” creates a unique milestone for Mohamed Nizar, making him part of two films that have been selected as official country submissions in the International Feature Film category of the Oscars.
His first experience came with “Gaza Mon Amour,” while he now returns to the Oscar race through a Jordanian production.
The new selection adds another international chapter to Nizar’s career, which has included appearances at film festivals and participation in projects that gained attention beyond the region.
📅 What Comes Next for “Sink”?
The selection of “Sink” represents Jordan’s official submission in the International Feature Film category, while the film’s final eligibility and acceptance remain subject to the rules and procedures of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The Academy is scheduled to announce the 2027 Oscar shortlist on December 15, 2026, followed by the final nominations on January 21, 2027.
The 99th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 14, 2027.
For “Sink,” the next stage therefore follows an extensive festival journey that has already taken the film across several international events.
✨ “Sink” Opens a New Chapter for Jordanian Cinema
The selection of “Sink” marks another international moment for Jordanian cinema, particularly after the film’s festival appearances and awards.
It also represents another significant milestone for Mohamed Nizar, following his earlier Oscar experience with “Gaza Mon Amour.”
At the center of the film is an intimate story about a mother and her son, exploring family pressure, denial and psychological struggles through a deeply human perspective.
Ultimately, “Sink” now enters a new stage after being officially selected to represent Jordan at the 99th Academy Awards, with attention turning to the upcoming eligibility process, shortlist and final nominations.
Do you enjoy films that explore psychological and family crises through a human perspective like “Sink”? 🎬💬
