The film, ‘Mami Wata,’ which premiered at Munich and Fantasia and garnered three awards at the Panafrican film festival Fespaco, has been selected by Nigeria for consideration in the International Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards.
Recognized for its relevant theme depicting multiple generations of women shaping society’s well-being and its unique portrayal of pre and post-colonial African societies, “Mami Wata” also received acclaim for its technical and artistic excellence.
The Nigerian Official Section Committee for the IFF, chaired by award-winning actress Stephanie Linus, emphasized the film’s significance in global representation and diversity.
The committee, consisting of esteemed industry professionals, highlighted the groundbreaking nature of “Mami Wata” as the first Pidgin film submission to the Academy.
Having secured the highest votes from the 14-member committee, “Mami Wata” now advances in the Oscars race.
Shot on location in the Republic of Benin, the film unfolds the narrative of a seaside community grappling with shaken beliefs when a stranger disrupts their harmony.
Notably, the film received the Special Jury Award at the Sundance Film Festival 2023 for its visually striking black-and-white cinematography.
As the film progresses to the next stage, determined by the IFF Executive Committee, the anticipation builds for “Mami Wata” to leave an indelible mark at the 96th Oscars scheduled for Sunday, March 10, 2024.
The potential recognition of this Pidgin English masterpiece would not only be a personal triumph for the filmmakers but also a significant milestone for Nollywood on the global stage.
