Prince Daniel Aboki's "Mai Martaba" Makes History as Nigeria's Oscar Submission

Nigeria's film industry has taken a significant step forward with the selection of "Mai Martaba" as its official submission for the 97th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. Directed by Prince Daniel Aboki, this Kannywood epic represents a milestone for Nigerian cinema and showcases the country's rich cultural heritage on the global stage.

A Cultural Triumph

"Mai Martaba" is a historical epic that brings northern Nigeria's cultural legacy to life. The film features an impressive cast of 500 actors and tells the compelling story of a succession struggle in the fictional Jallaba Kingdom. This ambitious production not only entertains but also serves as a powerful representation of Nigerian storytelling and filmmaking prowess.

Breaking New Ground

The selection of "Mai Martaba" marks several important firsts for Nigerian cinema:

1. It is the most expensive Kannywood production to date.
2. It represents only the second time a Hausa-language film has been selected for Oscar consideration.
3. Unlike its predecessor, "The Milkmaid," "Mai Martaba" is undisputedly a product of the Kannywood industry.

The Road to the Oscars

The journey to the Academy Awards is a multi-stage process:

1. The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC), comprised of 15 members, chose "Mai Martaba" after a rigorous voting session.
2. A shortlist of 15 finalists will be announced on December 17, 2024.
3. The final five nominees will be revealed on January 17, 2025.
4. The 97th Oscars ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Director's Vision

Prince Daniel Aboki, the film's director, expressed his excitement about the selection: “Mai Martaba is more than just a story; it's a celebration of our culture, struggles, and triumphs as Nigerians. We're bringing the voices and stories of our people to the global stage, sharing the heart of Nigeria with the world.”

Nigeria's Oscar Journey

"Mai Martaba" joins a small but growing list of Nigerian submissions to the Academy Awards:

- "Lionheart" (2019) - Disqualified due to language requirements
- "The Milkmaid" (2020) - Accepted but did not make the shortlist
- "Mami Wata" (2023) - Marked the recognition of Pidgin English as a foreign language

While Nigeria has yet to secure a nomination in the International Feature Film category, each submission brings the country closer to that goal and helps to showcase the diversity and talent of Nigerian filmmakers.

Looking Ahead

As "Mai Martaba" prepares to represent Nigeria on the international stage, it carries with it the hopes and aspirations of the entire Nigerian film industry. Whether it breaks through to secure a nomination or even a win remains to be seen, but its selection alone is a testament to the growing recognition of Nigerian cinema worldwide.