NOSC Industry Forum 2026 Calls for Greater Intentionality and Global Competitiveness in Nigeria Cinema
By Primetime Reports
The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) convened filmmakers, producers, directors, writers, distributors, exhibitors, film institutions, government agencies, financiers, students, and other key industry stakeholders at the inaugural NOSC Industry Forum 2026, held at Filmhouse Cinemas, Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Held under the theme, “FROM ELIGIBILITY TO COMPETITIVENESS: Building Nigerian Films for Global Recognition,” the forum was designed to deepen industry understanding of the International Feature Film category and encourage Nigerian filmmakers to think beyond simply meeting submission requirements towards developing films capable of competing at the highest international level.
Opening the forum, NOSC Chairperson Stephanie Linus said the conversation around international recognition must begin long before a film is completed.
“For many years, conversations around the Oscars have often 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, “The Road to International Feature Film Recognition,” Linus examined the eligibility requirements for the International Feature Film category, recent changes to the Academy rules, the two qualification pathways, language requirements, theatrical release, creative control, technical standards, and the critical difference between a film being eligible and being genuinely competitive.
The forum also featured selected film case studies, using internationally recognised films to examine storytelling, directorial vision, technical execution, cultural authenticity, festival strategy, and global positioning.
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A panel titled “Lessons from the Journey” brought together filmmakers and industry professionals with direct experience of Nigeria’s International Feature Film journey. The conversation explored what happens after a film is selected, the challenges filmmakers encounter, lessons from previous campaigns, the importance of post-production, and what future entrants should begin doing differently.
Discussions throughout the forum highlighted the need for stronger script development, longer development timelines, world-class sound and post-production, professional subtitles, early festival planning, strategic international partnerships, sustainable financing, distribution, publicity, and properly resourced awards campaigns.
The forum also examined the role of international co-productions and creative control, with speakers stressing that foreign financing or foreign crew members do not automatically determine a film’s country of submission. Participants were encouraged to understand how production structures, creative leadership, rights, and decision-making can affect eligibility.
Members of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee also participated in a wider conversation on the selection process and the future of Nigeria’s International Feature Film journey. The discussion addressed what NOSC looks for, eligibility versus competitiveness, technical quality, the evolving international landscape, and the support systems required to help Nigerian films compete globally.
The forum concluded with a call for greater collaboration across the Nigerian film ecosystem.
“Nigeria does not lack talent or stories,” Linus said. “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.”
The NOSC Industry Forum 2026 marks a broader commitment to industry education, dialogue, and the continued advancement of Nigerian cinema on the global stage.
About the Nigerian Official Selection Committee
The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) is the Academy-approved committee responsible for selecting Nigeria’s official entry for consideration in the International Feature Film category.
For more information: www.thenosc.org
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