On Sunday October 15th, the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Best International Feature Film (IFF) category of the Oscars announced the submission of C. J. Obasi’s Mami Wata as Nigeria’s entry for the International Feature Film category of the 2024 Oscars.
Presented in black-and-white monochrome, Mami Wata is a fantasy narrative that is based on a West African goddess and her declining influence within a community. The Pidgin-language Nigerian film has been hailed for its refreshing depiction of West African culture and a powerful female protagonist. Early this year, in January, it became the first Nigerian film to appear at the Sundance Film Festival where it was awarded a special jury prize for its cinematography.
Chairperson of the Selection Committee, Stephanie Linus, commended the film for “its relevant theme and unique approach to a story of pre and post-colonial African societies”. Considering the technical and artistic uniqueness of the film, she praised the film’s groundbreaking feat at the Sundance Film Festival.
Ahead of the 19th African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA 2023), Mami Wata has been nominated in 12 award categories, the highest of any film, which are Ousmane Sembene Award for Best Film in an African Language, Best Achievement in Make-Up, Best Achievement in Visual Effects, Best Achievement in Costume Design, Best Achievement in Sound, Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Editing, Best Achievement in Screenplay, National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVB) Award for Best Nigerian Film, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Director, and Best Film.
With Mami Wata being a strong contender for the International Feature Film Prize at the Oscars, the IFF Executive Committee will announce the 96th Academy Awards shortlist on March 10th, 2024.
Produced by Oge Obasi, and written and directed by C. J. “Fiery” Obasi, Mami Wata is Nigeria’s first Pidgin-language film to be presented to the Oscars.