Cj Obasi’s ‘Mami Wata’ is set to be Nigeria’s submission for the 2024 Oscars

The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC), headed by Stephanie Linus MFR, has chosen CJ Obasi’s “Mami Wata” as Nigeria’s representative for the International Feature Film (IFF) category at the 96th Academy Awards next year.

“I’m excited to announce a milestone in our NOSC journey: our first Pidgin film submission to the Academy, marking our commitment to diversity and global representation,” said Stephanie Linus.

This news follows the film’s reception of the highest number of votes from the 14-member NOSC committee.

“Mami Wata” is a black and white expressionist film that tells a simple story of good versus evil and underscores the importance of maintaining balance as society undergoes change. The film was entirely shot in Benin, West Africa.

The International Feature Film (IFF) Executive Committee will further evaluate and screen the film to determine if it will make the shortlist of contenders for the Awards ceremony, scheduled to take place in March