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.
 |
| 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.
 |
| 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.
 |
| (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.
 |
| (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.
 |
| 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.
 |
| 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.
