Chile on Monday hailed the country's first Oscar with the short animated film "Bear Story."

"This prize adds to the acknowledgement that Chilean cinema is making a name for itself in the most important world cinema festival," said Chilean Culture Minister Ernesto Ottone, referring to the 88th Academy Awards Ceremony held in Los Angeles, California, on Sunday.

Directed by Gabriel Osorio, "Bear Story" is a touching short film, which shows a bear that faces confinement in a circus as a metaphor for exile and rootlessness during Augusto Pinochet's military rule in Chile between 1973 and 1990.

This is the first time that a Chilean animated film was nominated. "We have no doubt that this prize sets a higher level for the subsequent films. It will open up animation and audiovisual markets, earning Chile a quality mark," said the minister.

He also congratulated all that have worked on the film, adding that Chilean President Michelle Bachelet would like to meet the filmmakers upon their return from the United States.

Chilean press also hailed the success of the animation. Endi

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