Nigeria Calls for Submissions to 97th Academy Awards’ International Feature Film Category
The Nigerian Official Selection Committee for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (NOSC) has issued a call to filmmakers in the country to submit their feature films for consideration in the International Feature Film (IFF) category of the 97th annual Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars.
According to a statement sent to PUNCH Online, the submission portal will be live from August 1, 2024, and will remain open until August 30, 2024. The IFF award is a dedicated category for feature-length motion pictures produced outside the United States, with a minimum of 50% dialogue in a language or languages other than English.
To be eligible, submitted films must meet specific criteria, including providing accurate, legible English subtitles, adherence to particular shooting formats, and evidence of theatrical release. The NOSC, accredited by AMPAS, is responsible for choosing Nigeria’s official entry for the IFF award.
In addition to the call for submissions, the NOSC has announced the addition of new members to its fold. The new members include the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Ali Nuhu; producer and Director, Blessing Egbe; actress, Ijeoma Agu; co-founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Filmhouse Cinemas, Kene Okwuosa; and journalist, author, and film critic, Victor Akande.
The returning members of the committee include actress and filmmaker Stephanie Linus, who leads the team; President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria, Victor Okhai; actress, 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 stated that the new members bring diverse creative backgrounds and expertise, which will enhance the process of selecting the best film from Nigeria. The NOSC was constituted in 2012 by filmmaker Chineze Anyaene-Abonyi, who served as chairperson until 2023 when she handed over to Linus.
The committee has submitted films to the global awards in the past, including ‘Lionheart’ in 2019, ‘Milkmaid’ in 2021, and ‘Mami Wata’ in 2023. The 97th Oscars ceremony is set to take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States of America.