The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) of the Academy of Film, Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has called on Nigerian filmmakers to submit their feature films for consideration.
Filmmakers are expected to submit their films in the International Feature Film (IFF) category at the 96th. Annual Academy Awards (Oscars).
AMPAS officially recognizes the NOSC and will choose one film as the country’s official submission for the IFF Award.
The portal, according to the committee, is open for submissions from August 28, 2023 to September 15 at thenosc.org.
The Academy annually awards the IFF Award to a feature film produced outside of the United States that contains 50 percent or more in a language or languages other than English.
The Academy Awards require that submitted films meet other criteria, including accurate and legible English subtitles, filming formats, and theatrical release, details of which are available on the NOSC website.
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Nigeria achieved the first feat at the Academy with the country’s submission, The Milkmaid. The film was ratified by the IFF Executive Committee, having passed the eligibility test before failing to make it past the first category of the shortlist.
In 2019, Nigeria’s official submission, Genevieve Nnaji’s film Lionheart, was disqualified for not meeting non-English language dialogue criteria.
This raised the controversy as to whether Nigerian pidgin should not be considered a local language.
Observations
Newly appointed NOSC President Stephanie Linus expressed her excitement about her new role, saying the 96th Oscars present another opportunity to honor exceptional Nigerian storytellers and talents on the world stage.
“I am honored to assume the esteemed role of Chairman of the NOSC for the Oscars. I look forward to working closely with my committee members on our shared vision of promoting African filmmakers on a global platform.
“Now we have a unique opportunity to honor the exceptional storytellers and talents whose work has entertained and connected us in so many ways. I hope that the decisions we make in the days ahead will inspire the next generation of filmmakers,” he stated.
The 96th Academy Awards will take place on March 10, 2024. The show will broadcast live in more than 200 territories worldwide, from the Dolby Theater at Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States.
