Nigerian filmmakers have been encouraged to shift their focus from simply meeting the requirements for Oscar consideration to creating productions capable of competing on the global stage.
The call was made at the maiden Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) Industry Forum 2026, held at Filmhouse Cinemas, Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The gathering attracted key players in the Nigerian film ecosystem, including filmmakers, producers, directors, writers, distributors, exhibitors, financiers and other industry stakeholders who converged to discuss strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s presence in international cinema.
With the theme, “From Eligibility to Competitiveness: Building Nigerian Films for Global Recognition,” the forum examined how Nigerian filmmakers can move beyond participation in global awards platforms and develop works that can compete with leading productions from around the world.
Speaking at the event, NOSC Chairperson, Stephanie Linus, said the industry must adopt a more intentional approach if Nigerian films are to achieve sustained international recognition.
She noted that discussions about the Academy Awards had for years focused mainly on the submission process, but stressed that the conversation needed to evolve towards creating outstanding films capable of earning global acclaim.
According to her, “For many years, conversations around the Oscars have centred on one question: ‘How do we submit a film?’ We must now begin asking a different question: ‘How do we create films that deserve to compete among the world’s very best?’ Submission is a process. Competitiveness is a commitment.”
During her keynote presentation, Linus provided insights into the eligibility requirements for the Academy Awards’ International Feature Film category, highlighting recent changes to the Academy’s rules, qualification routes, language requirements, theatrical release conditions, creative control considerations and technical standards expected of international entries.
She explained that while fulfilling the Academy’s requirements is an important step, eligibility alone does not guarantee recognition or success. According to her, Nigerian filmmakers must prioritise powerful storytelling, technical quality, originality and productions that connect with audiences beyond the country’s borders.
The forum featured discussions around notable international films, with participants analysing factors responsible for their success, including storytelling techniques, directing choices, cultural authenticity, festival strategies and effective positioning within the global film market.
A panel session involving filmmakers and industry professionals also reflected on Nigeria’s previous Oscar submissions, identifying areas that require improvement. Speakers highlighted the importance of stronger script development processes, high-quality post-production, professional subtitling, strategic participation in international film festivals, global partnerships and sustainable financing structures.
The issue of international co-productions was also discussed, with experts clarifying that the involvement of foreign investors or crew members does not automatically determine the country a film represents during awards submissions. They explained that factors such as creative control, production structure and overall contribution remain critical in determining eligibility.
Members of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee further outlined the country’s film selection process and encouraged filmmakers to pay closer attention to technical standards, artistic direction and the overall competitiveness of their projects.
Emphasising the need for collaboration across the industry, Linus said Nigeria has the talent, creativity and stories required to make a significant impact internationally but must approach filmmaking with greater strategy and purpose.
“Nigeria does not lack talent or stories. What we need now is greater intentionality, stronger development, technical excellence, strategic planning and collaboration. The goal is not simply to submit a film. The goal is to build films that can stand confidently among the best in the world,”she said.
The forum marks a significant step by the NOSC towards equipping Nigerian filmmakers with the knowledge and resources needed to improve the country’s competitiveness in global cinema and strengthen its representation at international awards platforms.