CJ OBASI’S “MAMI WATA” -NIGERIA’S SUBMISSION FOR OSCARS 2024

The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) recently picked CJ Obasi’s “Mami Wata” as the country’s contender for the International Feature Film (IFF) category of the 96th Oscar Academy Awards next year.
The black-and-white film tells the story about a West African goddess and her waning influence in a struggling village. The movie won the highest number of votes from the 14-member committee (NOSC).

The NOSC announced in a statement on Sunday, October 15, 2023, that the film was selected for its relevant theme and unique approach to a story of pre-colonial and post-colonial African societies. The committee also praised the film for its technical and artistic excellence.

“Mami Wata” debuted in Nigerian cinemas in September 2023 but grossed just over ₦4.5 million after three weeks. Its box office run was marred by unfavourable time slots and technical issues reported by cinemagoers, especially in Abuja and Lagos.

Despite the local setback, the film was also screened in many cinemas across the world and was already the toast of the international film community before its cinema run. It made history as the first homegrown Nigerian film at the Sundance Festival where it won a special jury prize for its striking cinematography in January.
“Mami Wata” scored in 12 nominations, as the highest of any film, for the 19th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) taking place on October 29th 2023.

Pointing to the film as a shining example of great work, NOSC chairperson, Stephanie Linus, urged Nigerian filmmakers not to relent in enhancing their skills and elevating production to global standards.
The IFF Executive Committee is to determine if the film will beat dozens of other films from across the world to the shortlist of contenders at the 96th Oscars ceremony on March 10, 2024.

Delia Nyadi