Filmmakers in Nigeria are invited by the Nigerian Official Selection Committee affiliated with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to submit their feature films for consideration in the International Feature Film category at the upcoming 97th annual Academy Awards commonly known as the Oscars.
AMPAS-accredited NOSC is in charge of selecting Nigeria’s official entry for the IFF award.
As per a statement released to PUNCH Online, the submission portal for entries will go live from August 1, 2024, and remain accessible until August 30, 2024.
The IFF award recognizes feature-length films produced outside the U.S. that feature 50% or more dialogue in non-English languages.
Films submitted must adhere to specific criteria set by the academy, such as accurate English subtitles, specific shooting formats, and proof of theatrical release.
Furthermore, new members were announced to join the NOSC, including Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation; Blessing Egbe, producer and Director; Ijeoma Agu, actress; Kene Okwuosa, co-founder and Group CEO of Filmhouse Cinemas; and Victor Akande, a journalist, author, and film critic.
Among the returning committee members are Stephanie Linus, actress and filmmaker who leads the team; Victor Okhai, President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria; Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, actress; Andy Amenechi, former DGN President; Yibo Koko, theatre practitioner; Izu Ojukwu, writer and director; Emem Isong, filmmaker; Dimeji Ajibola, director; Jude Idada, writer/director; John Njamah, filmmaker; and Meg Otanwa, actress.
Linus mentioned that the diverse backgrounds of the new members will enrich the film selection process for Nigeria.
Filmmaker Chineze Anyaene-Abonyi established the NOSC in 2012 and served as chairperson until 2023 when she passed the role to Linus.
In 2019, the committee submitted the film ‘Lionheart’ for the global awards, directed by Genevieve Nnaji, but it was disqualified due to not meeting the 50% non-English dialogue requirement.
‘Milkmaid’ was Nigeria’s first entry for the IFF category in 2021 but didn’t make the final cut.
In 2023, the committee submitted ‘Mami Wata,’ directed by CJ Obasi, for the IFF category, which didn’t get nominated.
The 97th Oscars ceremony is scheduled for March 2, 2025, and will be broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA.