Oscars: Slovakia Selects ‘A Step Into the Dark’ for Foreign-Language Category

A romantic period drama about the choices people are forced to make to survive in times of political and social terror, A Step Into the Dark, directed by Miloslav Luther, is Slovakia’s nomination for the best foreign-language Oscar category. 

Set during and after World War II, it focuses on the emotional and spiritual damage done to a young physician who was forced to execute innocent people.

Spurring offers of prestigious jobs in postwar communist central Europe, the doctor (Marko Igonda) embarks on a torrid love affair with a married woman as he struggles to come to terms with his past.

Also nominated for the European Film Academy awards — due to take place in Riga in December — the film, produced by Bratislava company Trigon Productions, was released in Slovakia in June and had its international premiere at the Montreal World Film Festival that wrapped earlier this month.