Brazil campaigns for Oscar

Ministry of Culture, Conspiracao, others launching ads for 'Me, You, Them'

By MARCELO CAJUEIRO

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Local backers of "Eu, Tu, Eles" (Me, You, Them), Brazil's candidate for best foreign-lingo Oscar, are investing $175,000-$200,000 to woo the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.

The Ministry of Culture is putting up $75,000 for the campaign, while co-producer Conspiracao Filmes and a private company that invested in the production will contribute the rest, according to pic's helmer, Andrucha Waddington.

"Me, You, Them" is based on a true story about a woman who shared a house and children with three husbands.

"About 85% of the investment will be destined to advertising," said Waddington, who is in California stumping for the film. Columbia TriStar co-produced and distributed "Me, You, Them" in Brazil, where it grossed $2 million.

Sony Pictures Classics, which has international distribution rights, will launch the pic in the U.S. on March 2. SPC also will contribute to the Oscar nom campaign.