The Namibia Film Commission (NFC) is extending a call to all Namibian producers to submit their films for the 94th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars).
The Academy has opened a call for entries for the International Feature Film and/or Documentary Category.
The Oscars, also known as the Academy Awards, aims to award and celebrate artistic and technical merit in the film industry.
According to a press statement from the commission, Namibia may not have a film to enter this year or even next year, but the opportunity is available for every filmmaker to imagine a moment when a film they have made can be acknowledged and affirmed by their peers alongside films from all over the world.
“The Oscars are not just a symbol of excellence but are recognised by the global film community as the highest level of filmmaking,” said Nicola Muranda of the film commission.
She added the opportunity opens a new door for Namibian films, inspiring all filmmakers to reach for excellence and compete within the international film community, and have their work and artistry acknowledged.
“Namibia is entering a new and exciting phase in its filmmaking journey. As of 2021, Namibian filmmakers are eligible to enter feature film and documentary features (over 40 minutes) into the Academy Awards. Additionally, we are no longer just making films for ourselves, our local and continental community, but there is a possibility to tell stories for the global stage,” she added.
Muranda noted that being in the Top 15 Oscars’ nominated films is to have reached the pinnacle of their career, and that allows the film to access its largest audience and the filmmaker to leverage their skills on the world stage.
“Equally, it gives the country an opportunity to be seen as a community that nurtures talent.”
The closing date for submissions is 15 October 2021 at 17h00.
The Namibia International Feature Film Awards Selection Committee will choose one film as the country’s official submission for the International Feature Film Award or Documentary Feature Award.
The Oscars recently approved the Namibia International Feature Film Awards Selection Committee, enabling Namibia to be taking part in the prestigious awards.
The films can be submitted on the Namibian Oscars website.
The requirements to submit a film for consideration for the 2022 Oscars are as follows:
• The film must be first released in Namibia no earlier than 1 January 2021 and no later than 31 December 2021, and be first publicly exhibited for at least seven consecutive days in a commercial motion picture theatre.
• Submissions must be in 35mm or 70mm film or DCP.
• The film must be advertised and exploited during its qualifying theatrical release in a manner considered normal and
customary to theatrical feature distribution practices.
• Films that, in any version, receive a nontheatrical public exhibition or distribution before their first qualifying theatrical release will not be eligible for consideration of Academy Awards.
Non-theatrical public exhibition or distribution includes but not limited to:
- Broadcast and cable television
- PPV/VOD
- DVD distribution
- Inflight airline distribution
- Internet transmission
- The recording of the original dialogue tracks, and the completed picture must be predominantly (more than 50%) in a language or languages other than English. Accurate, legible English- language subtitles are required.
- Creative control of the film was largely in the hands of Namibian citizens or residents.
– ashikololo@nepc.com.na