Nigeria Submits Film ‘Mai Martaba’ for Oscars 2025 Consideration

The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) has chosen Mai Martaba as Nigeria’s contender for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. This selection adds to Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to secure a coveted Oscar nomination, with the Hausa-language film standing out for its historical depth and cinematic execution.

Directed and produced by Prince Daniel, Mai Martaba is set in an ancient African kingdom, focusing on themes of love, betrayal, and political intrigue within the powerful Agadashawa clan. The movie captures the complex dynamics of leadership and conflict during a short-lived economic boom driven by the Trans-Saharan trade. Shot on location in Daura, Katsina State, the film offers an authentic depiction of Northern Nigerian culture, enhancing its visual appeal for local and international audiences.

Stephanie Linus, the NOSC chairperson, emphasised the film’s thematic relevance, particularly in fostering inclusive leadership, a topic resonating globally. The NOSC’s 15-member panel, including figures such as Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Ali Nuhu, voted for Mai Martaba to advance to the following evaluation stage by the International Feature Film (IFF) Executive Committee.

This submission reflects Nigeria’s increasing visibility at the Oscars in recent years. In 2023, Mami Wata by CJ Obasi represented Nigeria with its unique black-and-white storytelling, earning international acclaim despite box office challenges at home. However, Nigeria’s journey in the Oscars race has faced hurdles. Lionheart (2019) was famously disqualified for containing too much English dialogue, highlighting the Academy’s strict eligibility criteria for the International Feature category. Similarly, The Milkmaid (2020), a poignant exploration of insurgency and resilience in Northern Nigeria, also made the submission list but did not progress to the final nominations.

The Nigerian film industry continues striving to break into the Oscar shortlist, showcasing diverse narratives that reflect the country’s cultural richness. With Mai Martaba now in the running, hopes are high that the movie’s engaging storyline and technical excellence will resonate with the Academy, potentially marking a historic win for Nollywood.

As the Academy Awards approach, industry observers eagerly await whether Mai Martaba will secure a place in the final shortlist, continuing Nigeria’s pursuit of global recognition in cinema.

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