The Canadian preselection committee for best foreign film nominee for the 1998 Academy Awards has chosen the Max Films feature Cosmos to represent Canada.

Cosmos was written and directed by six young Quebec filmmakers: Denis Villeneuve, Jennifer Alleyn, Arto Paragamian, Manon Briand, Marie-Julie Daillaire and Andre Turpin. The producer is Roger Frappier.

The film was primed at the Quinzaine des Realisateurs at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival and has been invited to close a score of international festivals.

Foreign sales for Cosmos are handled by Malofilm International.

Best foreign film finalists will be announced Feb. 10, 1998. The Oscar Awards ceremony takes place March 23.