The Nigerian Official Selection Committee has named Mai Martaba as its entry for the International Feature Film category ahead of the 2025 Academy Awards. The announcement follows the announcement of the Kenyan contender weeks ago.
“We are thrilled to announce that Mai Martaba has been selected by the NOSC as Nigeria’s official submission to the Oscars,” the film’s producer and director Prince Daniel wrote on Instagram. “It is a privilege to represent our country at this prestigious global event.
“Mai Martaba is more than just a story; it’s a celebration of our culture, our struggles, and our triumphs as Nigerians. We’re bringing the voices and stories of our people to the global stage, sharing the heart of Nigeria with the world.
“As we embark on this global campaign, I’m reaching out to you—our fellow Nigerians, near and far—for your support. Spread the word, share our story, and join us on this journey. Let’s make Nigeria’s voice heard loud and clear. Together, we can bring this vision to life.”
The film, which explores a power struggle in an African kingdom, was screened in select cinemas, predominantly in northern Nigeria, earlier in the year. It stars include Adam A. Zango, Ghali Abdullah DZ, Muktar Aminu Haruna, Auwalu Isma’il Marshal, and Fatima Mohammed.
Mai Martaba is the third film submitted by the NOSC to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the organising body of the Oscars. None of the country’s earlier submissions has made it into the list of nominations, a pattern similar to other African countries with selection committees of their own. The last time the continent was successful at the Oscars was with South African film Tsotsi, released in 2005.
Ahead of the 2025 Oscars ceremony, a shortlist of 15 finalists will be announced on December 17. An announcement of the final five nominees will follow on January 17. The Oscars ceremony proper will take place on March 2. The venue is the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles.
