Nigeria selects ‘Mai Martaba’ as 2025 Oscar entry
The Nigerian Official Submission Committee (NOSC) has announced Mai Martaba, an epic Hausa film, as Nigeria’s official entry in the International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars.
The film directed by Prince Daniel Aboki, explores themes of power, love, greed, and betrayal in an ancient African kingdom, presenting a transformative tale that challenges conventions and celebrates female leadership.
The film’s setting, inspired by the Trans-Saharan trade exchange, showcases the kingdom’s rise and fall due to internal power struggles within the Agadashawa ruling clan.
‘Mai Martaba,’ believed to be Kannywood’s most expensive movie, will await the executive decision of the International Feature Film (IFF).
The selection was made after a rigorous voting session by the NOSC committee, where the film received the highest votes. The committee, recognised for its relevant themes of diverse voices in decision-making and inclusive leadership, as well as its impressive visual and technical appeal.
The NOSC committee consists of industry professionals such as Stephanie Linus, the chairperson; Victor Okhai, president of Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN); Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Andy Amenechi, Yibo Koko, movie director Izu Ojukwu, and filmmaker Emem Isong.
Others members are Ali Nuhu, managing director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC); Kene Okwuosa, group CEO of Filmhouse Cinemas; Dimeji Ajibola, Jude Idada, John Njamah, Meg Otanwa, Blessing Effiom Egbe, Ijeoma Grace Agu, and Victor Akande.
The 97th Oscars ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, and will be broadcast live to over 200 territories worldwide.
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