Nigeria has chosen the epic Hausa film Mai Martaba as its entry for the International Feature Film (IFF) category at the 97th Oscars Academy Awards.

Produced and directed by Prince Daniel, the film delves into themes of power, love, greed, and betrayal. It presents a compelling narrative that defies tradition and celebrates female leadership. It is in a flourishing trade era fueled by the Trans-Saharan exchange. An intense internal power struggle within the dominant Agadashawa ruling clan abruptly threatens the kingdom’s prosperity. The filmmakers shot the movie on location in Daura, Katsina State.

Nigeria has selected the film #MaiMartaba as their selection for #InternationalFeature for the #Oscars2025. pic.twitter.com/sARLejBjyg

— INTERNATIONAL FEATURE (@INTFEATURE) October 28, 2024

Mai Martaba secured the highest number of votes from the 15-member Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC). This panel includes award-winning actress and NOSC Chairperson Stephanie Linus, President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN) Dr Victor Okhai, veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, former DGN President Andy Amenechi, theater practitioner Yibo Koko, writer/director Izu Ojukwu, prolific film producer Emem Isong, and journalist/film critic Victor Akande.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) organizes the Oscars and annually awards the IFF category. And this is to feature-length films made outside the U.S. with at least 50% non-English dialogue. A shortlist of 15 finalists is set to be announced on December 17, 2024, with the final five nominees revealed on January 17, 2025.

Mai Martaba is Nigeria’s third successful submission, and there is optimism that it may break the Oscars jinx.

According to TheWrap, Oscars members voting in the Best International Feature Film category are considering 85 films this year. This is the smallest pool of entries in nine years, compared to 88 films last year and 93 in 2020. The 97th Oscars will be held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, United States.

Watch the trailer below: