Call for Oscars submission · Nollywood hopeful to win "Best Foreign Language Film" Prize

Left to Right - Vchangelo Bullock (Managing Director, Outreach & Strategy initiative), Chineze Anyaene (Chairperson, NOSC), Meredith Shae (Award Coordinator) & Tom Oyer (Awards Coordinator)

In line with their commitment to screening the finest and boldest Nigerian cinema, the Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee (NOSC) has announced that it has started accepting submissions for its inaugural selection edition beginning from June 16, 2014 to July 16, 2014.

They made this statement in a press release and revealed that they accept films of all lengths and genres.

The release read thus,” In terms of eligibility, NOSC accepts motion pictures from Nigerian filmmakers living in Nigeria and Diaspora whose films relate to Nigeria. The recording of the original dialogue track as well as the completed picture must be predominantly in a language or languages other than English. Please note that Pidgin English is also considered as a foreign language. Accurate English subtitles are required. The motion picture must be first released in Nigeria not earlier than October 1, 2013 and not later than September 30, 2014.”

The NOSC guidelines are: “(a) Films that have previously screened publicly in Nigeria, aired on television prior to the selection, are available for purchase on Digital Video Disc (DVD) in Nigeria, or are available for continuous online viewing in their entirety are not eligible. (b) Films must be submitted on DVD and must be clearly watermarked with: Preview Copy. Do not send film prints, master tapes, or other originals. (c) Entrant confirms and warrants required legal authority to submit the entry into the Festival and to use all music, images, and content in the entry.

(d)  Entrant will allow usage of clips from the film for promotional use on television, radio, in print, and at live Festival events. (e) Works in Progress: While entrants are permitted to submit films that are not fully complete (that is, without final colour correction and sound mixing), please note that the programming committee will only consider the version submitted; subsequent cuts or replacement copies will only be accepted at the request of the programming committee. (f) Only complete entries (including entry form, and preview DVD screener) will be processed. (g) Please submit a typed or clearly printed entry form or a copy of the online form receipt along with the submission. The NOSC is not responsible for incorrect wording in publications or on awards if the entry form is incorrect or illegible.

(h) Productions in the following exhibition formats are eligible for screening: 35mm, DCP, HDCAM, DigiBeta, and Blu-ray Disc.”

Deadlines: “Eligible entries must reach the office of the Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee on or before July 16, 2014. Submissions can be done by post to the following address: House 2, Block 101, Plot 8, Furo Ezimora Street, Lekki Residential Scheme, Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria.”

Selection criteria: “The NOSC focuses on choosing high quality films from Nigeria. All eligible submissions will be reviewed and selected based on the quality of the film’s narrative and its production values. Please note that NOSC will only inform you if your film meets the criteria and is among the films in consideration by the committee. The NOSC will endeavour to complete all selection procedures by September 1, 2014 and Nigeria’s officially selected film for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards will be announced on a gala night shortly after. For more information and enquiries, visit: http://www.nigerianoscarselection.org or E-mail: info@nigeriaoscarselection.org.”

 The Nigerian Oscar Selection Committee (NOSC), registered under the laws of the Federal republic of Nigeria as “The Oscar Selection Association of Nigeria” is a cultural organization whose mission is to recognize and celebrate the art of cinema by showcasing Nigerian films and filmmakers to the Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars for the category of Best Foreign Film. The committee is to submit and represent the feature Nigerian film at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Awards, popularly known as the Oscars.