CJ Obasi's 'Mami Wata' is Nigeria's submission for Oscars 2024

Before the ceremony the following year, the IFF Executive Committee will decide if the movie will be included on the shortlist of contenders.Mami Wata, directed by CJ Obasi, has been chosen by the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) as the nation's entry for the International Feature Film (IFF) category of the 96th Academy Awards next year. The movie in black and white about a West African deity and her dwindling power in an impoverished hamlet received the most votes from the committee's 14 members. The movie was chosen by the NOSC, according to a statement released on Sunday, October 15, 2023, for its timely subject matter and distinctive approach to a tale of pre- and post-colonial African communities. The film's technical and creative brilliance received accolades from the committee as well. Mami Wata debuted in Nigerian cinemas in September, but grossed just over ?4.5 million after three weeks. Its box office run was marred by unfavourable time slots and technical issues reported by cinemagoers especially in Abuja and Lagos. The IFF Executive Committee will determine whether the film will beat dozens of other films from across the world to the shortlist of contenders at the 96th Oscars ceremony on March 10, 2024.