An Irish movie filmed in Cuba has been shortlisted for the Oscars.

Viva, a coming-of-age story about a young drag queen, was written by screenwriter and actor Mark O'Halloran and funded by the Irish Film Board.

It could be one of a final list of five nominees in the Foreign Language Category to be unveiled in January, ahead of the 88th Academy Awards at the end of February.

Director Paddy Breathnach explained how a Spanish-language movie - set in Havana - is the official Irish entry in its group: