The Namibia Film Commission (NFC) has invited local filmmakers to submit films for consideration in the International Feature Film and Documentary Category of the 94th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars).

This comes after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences granted the NFC permission to appoint an eight-member selection committee of Namibian creatives and cinephiles to seek Namibian submissions ahead of the 2022 Academy Awards set to take place in March in Hollywood, Los Angeles.

A recent media statement by the NFC said the committee is chaired by Obed Emvula with Bridget Pickering, Tim Huebschle, Lize Ehlers, Abius Akwaake, Richard Pakleppa, Linda de Jager and Madryn Cosburn also serving on the committee.

It said Namibia is entering a new and exciting phase in its filmmaking journey as filmmakers will now be able to submit feature films and documentaries (of more than 40 minutes) to the Academy Awards beginning in 2022.

“This opportunity opens a new door for Namibian films, inspiring all filmmakers to strive for excellence and compete in the international film community, where their work and artistry will be recognised,” it said.

Speaking to Nampa on Thursday, local film writer and producer Michael Pulse said the rest of the world is eager to hear Namibian stories.

“This is a clear indication that we have raised the world’s standards so that they can consider our work. That, to me, is history in and of itself,” he stated.

According to Pulse, the Namibian film industry has proven itself to the rest of the world as evidenced by the number of international award nominations the country has received over the last two years.

“The festivals for which we’ve been nominated are ready and willing to accept our work, why shouldn’t the Oscars? Namibians must continue to nurture and invest in their own people,” he said.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency