By Habibu Maaruf Abdu
Nigeria has selected the Kannywood film ‘Mai Martaba’ as its official submission for the Best International Feature Film (IIF) category at the 97th Academy Awards, also known as Oscars.
The 15-member Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) confirmed in its official statement that the selection was made after a rigorous voting session.
Mai Martaba is a historical epic featuring 500 actors that showcases northern Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. It tells the story of the succession struggle between competing claimants for the throne of the fictitious Jallaba Kingdom.
Reacting to the selection, the film’s director, Prince Daniel Aboki, expressed his delight, adding, “It is a privilege to represent our country at this prestigious global event.”
He added, “Mai Martaba is more than just a story; it’s a celebration of our culture, struggles, and triumphs as Nigerians. We’re bringing the voices and stories of our people to the global stage, sharing the heart of Nigeria with the world.”
The film, which stands as the most expensive Kannywood production, was also selected for the Septimus Awards in Amsterdam before its theatrical release in Nigeria in July 2024.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), which organises the Oscars, confers the IFF Award yearly to a feature-length film produced outside the US with at least 50% non-English dialogue.
A shortlist of 15 finalists will be revealed on December 17, 2024, followed by the announcement of the final five nominees on January 17, 2025.
This marks the second time a Hausa film has been selected for the Oscars, following The Milkmaid (directed by Ovbiagele, 2020).
However, unlike The Milkmaid, whose Kannywood identity is disputed, Mai Martaba is a bona fide Kannywood production, proudly representing the Hausa film industry’s cinematic talent.
The 97th Oscars will be held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, and will be broadcast live to over 200 territories worldwide.