Three Nigerian films have been selected for a showcase in Hollywood, California on February 28 and March 1, 2025.
The selected films are THE MAN DIED, THE WEEKEND and MAI MARTABA.
The films will showcase Nigerian stories and culture at the 2025 NOLLYWOOD IN HOLLYWOOD event holding at Hollywood’s most prestigious screening venue,
The Egyptian Theater and at Norris Theater on the campus of the world’s best film institution, the University of Southern California.
“It has the potential to be a glorious weekend. Everything is set to make this the best showcase in our short history. You come to Nollywood In Hollywood and you can stay for the Oscars the next day! You can’t beat that,” says Unoma Ononye, the programs manager.
The event was founded in 2018 by Nigerian-American filmmaker, Ose Oyamendan, as a cultural diplomacy tool to enable the world see a different, better side of Nigeria through the exhibition of Nigerian films and talents.
Through O2A Media Corp, his production shingle, Oyamendan partnered with one of America’s most revered film institutions, the American Cinematheque, and the world’s leading film institution, the University of Southern California, Los Angeles to give the entertainment capital of the world a taste of Nigeria.
Since its inception, the event has showcased the works and talents of the best in the Nigerian film industry. Filmmakers whose works have screened at the showcase include Steve Gukas, Kunle Afoloyan, Jade Osiberu, Kemi Adetiba, Tope Oshin, Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Nouah, C J Obasi, Daniel Ademinokan, Desmond Ovbiagele and Akin Omotosho.
Since inception, participating filmmakers have been able to advance their careers through the networking events and interactions with some of Hollywood’s top agencies, management companies, casting agents, networks and studios.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has thrown his weight behind Nigeria’s Oscar hopeful, “Mai Martaba,” pledging federal government support and access to the $618 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Programme (iDICE).
Specifically, the Vice President revealed that creators will have access to the $618 million iDICE project aimed at boosting investment in digital and creative industries.
Speaking during a meeting with the film’s team led by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Thursday, VP Shettima noted delightfully that “it’s a good day to be a Nigerian.”
In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “We will make sure that the kaleidoscope that represents all the colours in our nation is carried along. Let’s fuse into one and support this project.
“There is more that binds than divides us. Within the ethnic groups, you don’t know where the boundaries end. We are essentially one people,” the Vice President stated, emphasizing national unity through the film industry.
He charged the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy to “lead the campaign to mobilise all resources to ensure Nigeria’s success at the Oscars.”
“By the end of the century, Nigeria will be the most populous nation on earth. There is beauty in numbers. I want to reiterate my unflinching support for us to get the Oscars,” the VP added.
“Mai Martaba,” directed by Prince Daniel, has been officially selected as Nigeria’s entry for the 2025 Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film category. The film explores themes of power, love, and female leadership in an ancient African kingdom.
Speaking earlier, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said investors were already committed to building the Creative Industry.
“We’re working with investors who have already committed to building the creative industry. We have just concluded agreements with South Korea, the UK, Japan, China, and France to sign co-production agreements.
“We hopefully will have a media city, which is going to be a one-stop shop for nine sectors across the whole industry. The whole world is interested in Nigeria – not because of our oil, but because of our talent, content, and creativity.”
Addressing funding challenges, Musawa noted: “The fact is that many in the industry do not have the infrastructure to be able to do the kind of first-class movies they require. Every single Nigerian, no matter what part of the country they come from, even if it’s a rural setting, has the ability to create content on their phone, to empower themselves for decent job futures.”
On his part, Prince Daniel noted the industry’s remarkable growth, saying, “We found something very interesting in the creative industry.
“Broadcasting contributes more to GDP than oil does combined, reaching 12.3%. The creative industry and broadcasting in April 2020 did more than oil and mining combined. We’ve created over 500 jobs and created work for almost 100 people overall. We’re excited because we want to go for the next Oscars,” he added.
Discussing the campaign’s important needs, Daniel said, “For every country aspiring for an Oscar, federal government backing is crucial, not only because it is capital-intensive but also because it requires high-level lobbying and diplomacy. Look at South Africa’s ‘Tsotsi’ Oscar win in 2006 – it opened up their entire industry. Today, there’s no part of Africa catching up to South Africa.”
Also, the Chairperson of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Oscars, Stephanie Linus, emphasised that it is a wonderful feat that is not just about international recognition.
“This isn’t just about international recognition. We need to start building our presence on the global stage now, not in one or two years. The Oscars represent the biggest platform for celebrating cinema,” she stated.
