As the submission portal opens on Thursday, August 1, 2024, the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), has urged Nollywood producers to enter their movies for consideration in the International Feature Film (IFF) category of the 97th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars).
According to the NOSC, the submission portal: www.thenosc.org will remain open for a month before it closes on August 30, 2024. Awards will be conferred by the Academy at the 97th Oscars ceremony holding on March 2, 2025 at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, United States, and airing live to over 200 territories worldwide.
However, submitted films for the IFF Award must meet specific criteria. These include provision of accurate, legible English subtitles; adherence to particular shooting formats, and evidence of theatrical release. More information regarding the requirements can be found on the NOSC website.
Meanwhile, new members have teamed up with the NOSC. They are Ali Nuhu, Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC); Blessing Effiom Egbe, producer/director; actress Ijeoma Grace Agu; Kene Okwuosa, Co-Founder/Group CEO, Filmhouse Cinemas; and Victor Akande, journalist, author and film critic.
With actress/filmmaker, Stephanie Linus leading the committee, returning members are Dr. Victor Okhai, President, Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN); actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde; former DGN President, Andy Amenechi; theatre practitioner, Yibo Koko; writer/director, Izu Ojukwu; film producer, Emem Isong; director, Dimeji Ajibola; writer/director, Jude Idada; director, John Njamah; and actress/polyglot, Meg Otanwa.
“The inclusion of new members brings together individuals with diverse creative backgrounds, enhancing the process of selecting the best film from Nigeria. The team is tasked with collecting, screening and voting on entries to represent the country in the IFF category,” Linus remarked.