Finland has named Estonian-Finnish co-production "The Fencer" as its candidate for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards.

Klaus Härö's drama about legendary Estonian fencing coach Endel Nelis (1925-1993), which stars Märt Avandi, premiered in March.

The film is based on original screenplay by Anna Heinämaa and was produced by Making Movies, KickFilm and Allfilm.

The nominating jury praised the movie for "its classical and solid story line," the Finnish Film Foundation said, adding that "The film manages to find optimism, humanity and beauty in a tragic historical era."

"The Fencer" tells a story of a fencing champion who arrives at the small town of Haapsalu after World War II to become a PE teacher. Against the opposition of his superiors, he starts teaching children fencing and so finds his life's calling.

Estonia's selection for 2015, the Estonian-Georgian co-production "Tangerines" made history when it earned an Oscar nomination. In the end, it was Poland's "Ida" that took home the coveted golden statue.

Estonia is yet to announce its candidate for the 88th Academy Awards.