By Perekeme Odon
The Nigerian film industry has once again done the country
proud with an entry at the 2020 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science (AMPAS) in the Best Foreign Film category
with ‘Lion Heart; a film produced and directed by delectable actress, Genevieve
Nnaji (MFR). The category is dedicated to a
feature-length motion picture produced outside the United States of America
with a predominantly non-English dialogue track.
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| Genevieve Nnaji |
Each year, countries with an
approved selection committee may submit one film for consideration for the Foreign
Language Film Award Oscar, and only five films are chosen from all
international submissions from which a winner of the international feature film
category is chosen.
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| DGN President, Olorogun Fred Amata |
The President, Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN) Olorogun
Fred Amata in his message said, DGN which is the custodian of the film art and culture in Nigeria
with over 20 years in existence has consistently seeks frontiers of interaction
to develop and promote standards that pursue artistic excellence. "This
accomplishment has unlocked Africa, and Nigeria in particular, that Nigeria has
talent as demonstrated by Genevieve Nnaji, and the capacity to stand tall and
compete favourably as equals with her international colleagues.” He
remarked.
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| (L-R) Pete Edochie. Onyeka Onwenu & Ngozi Ezeonu |
He went further to say, “Lion
Heart, first ever Nigerian entry for the Oscars will be seen by future
generations as the break-point of the world judgments of Nigerian film, industry
and filmmakers to a very large extent because It is also a phenomenal feat that
our innovative performers have received much deserved recognition at the heart
of the world’s leading film and cinema community in the Best Foreign Film
category.”
DGN recognises the evolving revolution of Nigerian female
directors who stand out in making the nation proud with their locally produced
movies satisfying Nigerians and impacting various cinemas and international
film festivals like the Toronto and Berlin Film Festival. DGN inducted 10
female meritorious admissions into the guild to encourage female filmmakers willing
to up directorial roles at the 2018 DGN National Convention in Abeokuta, Ogun
state.
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| (L-R) Genevieve Nnaji, Pete Edochie & Nkem Owoh |
Olorogun Amata applauds and salutes the cast and production team of the much-admired movie ‘Lion
Heart’ for the stimulating contribution they have made to indigenous Nigerian film-making. “We are exceptionally pleased that the
efforts of the Federal Government through various film outfits like the
Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and the National Film and Video Censors Board
(NFVCB) to promote and create an enabling environment for Nigerian film is
bearing fruit. We furthermore extend our congratulations to thousands of
nameless and faceless persons who contribute to the realization of a film apart
from the actors and the film directors. It is the duty of the Directors’ Guild
of Nigeria (DGN) to train, produce and nurture a new generation of Nigerian
storytellers, through the help of various film institutions and bodies in the country
who will take the captivating accounts of our general knowledge to the world.” The
President affirmed.
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| Members of the Nigeria
Oscar Selection Committee with the chairman, Chineze Anyaene |
He furthermore acknowledged the reconstituted 12-member committee of Nollywood
stakeholders of the Nigerian Oscar Selection Committee (NOSC), Chaired
by Chineze Anyaene and other members who are Mildred Okwo, Mahmood Ali-Balogun,
Ngozi Okafor, Charles Novia, Abba Makama, Bruce Ayonote, Ramsey Nouah, Chioma
Ude, Shaibu Husseini, Adetokunbo “DJ Tee” Odubawo and CJ Obasi for all the
efforts.
“I am convinced that
many other exhilarating Nigerian films will follow the marvelous success of
‘Lion Heart’ because the entry will open up new opportunities for Nigerian
talents to shine. Through the entry of ‘Lion Heart’ in the Oscars, we hope
filmmakers will develop more awareness of the exceptional talent Nigeria
possesses and what wonderful scenery and landscape our lovely country has to
offer. The Nigerian entry to
the Oscar is an indication of the entrance of native Nigerian filmmaking. Today
we can sincerely say that we are on the right path and there is no stopping us,
now!” He stated.
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| Kanayo O. Kanayo & Genevieve Nnaji In 'Lion Heart' |
Global film audiences have been watching and buying Nigerian
films with their wallets and their feet. Before the Oscars entry, the film
‘Lion Heart’ has won analytical commendation. The film, though uniquely
Nigerian, has a widespread charm and its road to the Oscars has been covered
with various other awards.
