‘Talvisota’ Eligibility

In case other readers share the misapprehension revealed (in a Feb. 25 letter) about the failure of “Talvisota” to be nominated in the academy’s foreign language film category, we’d like to set the record straight. “Talvisota” was not submitted as Finland’s entry for 1989, nor--because of the film’s release date in Finland--could it have been.

Its release in its home country makes it eligible for consideration for next year’s awards, should Finland pick the film as its entry.

RUDI FEHR and FAY KANIN

Chairmen of the foreign-

language film award committee

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Beverly Hills

“Talvisota” was released in Finland in November, one month too late to be eligible for consideration as 1989’s best foreign-language film. Because it was released in the United States before the end of the year, however, it was eligible in all other categories, including best picture. Despite a massive advertising campaign conducted in its behalf, it received no nominations.