The Nigerian Official Selection Committee for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is inviting filmmakers to submit their feature films for the International Feature Film category of the 97th Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars.
Accredited by AMPAS, the NOSC is tasked with selecting Nigeria’s official entry for the International Feature Film award.
According to a statement released to PUNCH on Monday, the submission portal will be accessible from August 1, 2024, until August 30, 2024.
The International Feature Film award is designated for feature-length films produced outside the U.S. and must feature at least 50 percent of dialogue in languages other than English.
Films must also adhere to specific requirements, including accurate English subtitles, certain shooting formats, and proof of a theatrical release.
In addition to the submission announcement, the NOSC revealed the inclusion of new members: Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation; producer and director Blessing Egbe; actress Ijeoma Agu; Kene Okwuosa, co-founder and Group CEO of Filmhouse Cinemas; and journalist, author, and film critic Victor Akande.
Returning members of the committee include actress and filmmaker Stephanie Linus, who leads the team; Victor Okhai, President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria; Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde; former DGN President Andy Amenechi; theatre practitioner Yibo Koko; writer and director Izu Ojukwu; filmmaker Emem Isong; director Dimeji Ajibola; writer/director Jude Idada; filmmaker John Njamah; and actress Meg Otanwa.
Linus noted that the new members bring a variety of creative perspectives that will enhance the selection process.
The NOSC was established in 2012 by filmmaker Chineze Anyaene-Abonyi, who served as chairperson until 2023 when she was succeeded by Linus.
The committee made its first submission for the global awards in 2019 with the film ‘Lionheart,’ directed by Genevieve Nnaji. However, it was disqualified for not meeting the requirement of 50 percent non-English dialogue.
In 2021, ‘Milkmaid’ was Nigeria’s entry but did not advance to the final nominations. In 2023, ‘Mami Wata,’ directed by CJ Obasi, was also submitted but did not make the nominee list.
The 97th Oscars ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.
