NIGERIAN FILMS TO GET A SHOT AT WINNING OSCARS

Starting next year, indigenous Nigerian movies will begin featuring in theBest Foreign Language Filmcategory of theAcademy Awards, otherwise called Oscars.
This was made known during a press conference held in Lagos on April 29, 2014, to introduce theNigerian Oscar Selection Committee and their mission.
Speaking at the event, producer of the movie, ‘Ije‘,Chineze Anyaelewho is the chairman of the committee, disclosed that the right was recently acquired but had been in the works for over two years. She also introduced members of the 12-man committee which includes journalistShuaibu Hussein, film makersCharles NoviaandMildred Okwoand actor,Ramsey Nouahand seven others.
According to her, a good story and direction as well as sound, music, cinematography and acting are part of the criteria that shall be used to screen the movies.
‘It’s a great opportunity for Nigerian film makers as it will guarantee the right exposure and attention needed,’ she said.
Hussein added that the selected movie will compete with 76 others from other countries, of which the best five will be nominated by the Academy, and the winner announced at the ceremony.
He also stressed that the major criterion for the category is qualifying movies must have not less than 51 per cent indigenous language and must have been screened in the country for not less than 7 days.