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The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) has challenged filmmakers to move beyond producing films that merely qualify for the Oscars and instead focus on making movies capable of competing with the best in the world.
The charge was given at the maiden NOSC Industry Forum 2026, held at Filmhouse Cinemas, Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event brought together filmmakers, producers, directors, writers, distributors, exhibitors, financiers and other stakeholders to discuss the future of Nigerian cinema.
Speaking at the forum, themed “From Eligibility to Competitiveness: Building Nigerian Films for Global Recognition,” NOSC Chairperson, Stephanie Linus, said the Nigerian film industry must become more intentional if it hopes to achieve sustained international recognition.
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.”
In her keynote presentation, Linus outlined the eligibility requirements for the Academy Awards’ International Feature Film category, recent changes to the Academy’s rules, qualification pathways, language requirements, theatrical release, creative control and technical standards.
She stressed that meeting the eligibility criteria alone would not guarantee international success, insisting that Nigerian filmmakers must deliberately produce films with compelling storytelling, technical excellence and global appeal.
Participants examined successful international films as case studies, focusing on storytelling, directing, cultural authenticity, festival strategy and positioning for the global market.
A panel of filmmakers and industry professionals also shared lessons from Nigeria’s previous Oscar submissions, highlighting the need for stronger script development, world-class post-production, professional subtitling, strategic festival planning, international collaborations and sustainable funding.
The forum also explored international co-productions, with speakers explaining that foreign funding or the involvement of foreign crew members does not automatically determine a film’s country of submission, as creative control and production structure remain key considerations.
Members of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee further explained Nigeria’s selection process, urging filmmakers to pay greater attention to technical quality and global competitiveness.
Calling for stronger collaboration across the industry, Linus said Nigeria possesses the talent and stories needed to compete internationally but must adopt a more deliberate approach.
“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.
