NOSC INDUSTRY FORUM 2026 CALLS FOR GREATER INTENTIONALITY AND GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS IN NIGERIAN CINEMA

NOSC INDUSTRY FORUM 2026 CALLS FOR GREATER INTENTIONALITY AND GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS IN NIGERIAN CINEMA

Lagos, Nigeria, July 2, 2026 — 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.

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

KEEPFIT International Club Takes Event to Enugu

KEEPFIT International Club Takes Event to Enugu

Enugu, the capital of Enugu state will be playing host to KEEPFIT International Club next month in an action packed three- day event that will leave smiles on the faces of many.

It is an annual sports cum philanthropic event in which the club interfaces directly with the needy and valunerable in the society. 

Essentially, KEEPFIT International Club has its activities anchored on the tripod of Sports, Socials and philanthropy.

Members of the club engage in group exercise regularly and periodically as a way of keeping fit knowing that a healthy mind is to be found in a healthy body (mens sana in corpore sano).

Members also meet outdoors in a convivial gathering to unwind and also  individually and collectively reach out to one another in occasions of joy and also in sorrow.

As part of its corporate social responsibility and as a means of giving back to the society,  the club engages in lots of philanthropic activities. 

As part of this year's programme,  KeepFit International Club will be in Enugu between Thursday 30th June and  Saturday 2nd July,2022. The club amongst other things will be visiting lots of  orphanage homes and Correctional homes in city and its environs.

A press release signed by the President of KeepFit International Club, Pharm (Barr) Steve Okoronkwo, fpsn indicates that the philanthropic activities will be top on the agenda of the club while in the Coal city.

"The visit to Enugu is in line with the club's mantra of "show love to the unloved and give help to the needy", the statement quoted Pharmacist Okoronkwo as saying.