By Jeoffrey Mukubi
An invitation for Namibian films to submit for the 94th Annual Academy Awards popularly known as the Oscars is officially underway. This is according to a statement released by the Namibian Film Commission, which will be in charge of collecting and choosing successful feature films and documentaries.
“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. 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,” the statement read.
This opportunity will most definitely shed a light on our miniature but ever-growing film industry and ultimately will open a new door for Namibian films. It will clearly also inspire all filmmakers to reach for excellence and compete within the international film community and have their work and artistry acknowledged.
“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. The Oscars are not just a symbol of excellence but are recognized by the global film community as the highest level of filmmaking. 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 that they have made can be acknowledged and affirmed by their peers alongside films from all over the world,” the statement further reads.
For a film to be considered for the Oscars it must first have been released in Namibia, no earlier than 1Jjanuary 2021, and no later than December 31, 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 Academy Awards consideration.
Non-theatrical public exhibition or distribution includes but is not limited to broadcast and cable television, PPV/VOD, DVD distribution, Inflight airline distribution and Internet transmission Closing date for submissions is 15 October 2021, 17h00.
