Here are the films from Kazakhstan and Poland in the running for this year’s Oscars

Two New East films, from Poland and Kazakhstan, have been shortlisted for this year’s Oscars.

Kazakh drama Ayka and Polish love story Cold War were chosen from 87 nominations to compete for 2018’s best foreign language film.

They are joined by seven other films, including movies from Colombia, Denmark, Germany, Lebanon, Mexico, and South Korea. Kore-Eda Hirokazu Shoplifters, which scooped the Palme d’Or at the Cannes film festival earlier this year, also made the final cut.

Both films have already had film circuit successes, with Samal Yeslyamova taking home the Cannes Best Actress award for her performance in Ayka’s titular role, while Pawel Pawlikowski took home the festival’s prize for best director.

The winner will be announced at the 91st Academy Awards on 24 February 2019.