The Nigeria Official Selection Committee (NOSC) has invited filmmakers to submit their feature films for the 2025 Oscars.
The 97th Oscars will take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, United States.
In a statement released on Monday, the committee said it would choose a movie that would be Nigeria’s official entry for the International Feature Film (IFF) Award at the Oscars.
The IFF Award is conferred annually by the Academy to a feature-length motion picture produced outside the United States which contains 50 percent or more of dialogue in a language or languages other than English.
Filmmakers who intend to submit their projects must meet the following criteria: providing accurate, legible English subtitles, adherence to particular shooting formats, and evidence of theatrical release.
The statement said the submissions portal would be open from August 1, 2024, to August 30, 2024.
The NOSC also announced the addition of new members as a form of reformation to the board.
They include Ali Nuhu, Blessing Effiom Egbe, Ijeoma Grace Agu, Kene Okwuosa, and Victor Akande.
Old members also returning to the board include Stephanie Linus (chairperson NOSC), Victor Okhai, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Andy Amenechi, Yibo Koko, Izu Ojukwu, Emem Isong, Dimeji Ajibola, Jude Idada, John Njamah and Meg Otanwa.
Speaking on her appointment in 2023, Linus said she looks forward to collaborating with her fellow committee members to showcase Nigerian filmmakers on the global stage.
“I am honoured to take on the esteemed role of NOSC Chairperson for the Oscar Awards. I look forward to working closely with my committee members on our shared vision of promoting African filmmakers on a global platform,” she said.
In October 2022, NOSC was beset with a heated crisis as its leadership voted not to enter any Nigerian movie for the IFF award category of the 2023 Oscars after weeks of internal conflict.
The development resulted in a protracted altercation with filmmakers who felt their movies should have been shortlisted.
