The Hausa film Mai Martaba, shot on location in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria, has been selected for the Best International Feature Film category of the Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars.
The movie, produced and directed by Prince Daniel, had its theatrical release in Nigeria. It was also selected for the Septimius Awards in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
The selection for Oscar, according to a statement, was made by the Nigerian Official Selection Committee for its themes of love, greed, and betrayal in an ancient African kingdom that once experienced a trade boom through the Trans-Saharan trade exchange, which was short-lived due to a fierce internal power struggle among the powerful Agadashawa ruling clan.
The statement read in part, “The film, produced by Prince Daniel, was selected for its relevant theme of diverse voices in decision-making and inclusive leadership, as well as its visual and technical appeal.
“During a voting process among the 15-member committee, the film received the highest votes.
“The IFF Executive Committee will determine the next stage for the film.”
The voting members include NOSC Chairperson Stephanie Linus, President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN) Dr. Victor Okhai, veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, former DGN President Andy Amenechi, theatre practitioner Yibo Koko, writer/director Izu Ojukwu, and prolific film producers Emem Isong, Ali Nuhu, and Kene Okwuosa, amongst others.
The 97th Oscars will be held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, United States. It will be broadcast live to over 200 territories worldwide.
