Nigerian epic drama, Mai Martaba, is set to make its global debut at the prestigious Zuma Film Festival on December 1, 2024. This comes after the film was officially selected as Nigeria’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Academy Awards.
Directed and produced by Prince Daniel, Mai Martaba is a cinematic exploration of power, leadership, and resilience within an ancient African kingdom. The film is expected to captivate audiences worldwide with its rich storytelling and stunning visuals.
Following its Zuma Film Festival premiere, Mai Martaba will embark on a private screening tour across major cities in Nigeria, the United States, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. These screenings aim to introduce the film to Academy voters, a select group of influential film professionals, critics, and industry leaders.
The Nigerian government has pledged its full support for the film’s Oscar campaign with Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasising the importance of the $618 million iDICE initiative in promoting Nigeria’s digital and creative industries. In a recent meeting with the production team, Shettima said, “We are united in our support for Mai Martaba, and this is a national effort to showcase Nigerian cinema on the global stage”.
Hannatu Musa Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, also expressed her enthusiasm for the film’s potential, stressing that the Oscar campaign is not just about winning but about positioning Nigeria at the forefront of global filmmaking.
“This is a unique opportunity to expand the visibility of Nigerian films worldwide and secure the future of our creative economy,” she stated.
Daniel expressed his excitement about the film’s global debut and its potential to showcase Nigeria’s talent and creativity.
“This is just the beginning. We are committed to showcasing Nigeria and Africa’s immense talent and creativity. The Zuma Film Festival is the perfect platform to introduce the world to our story,” Daniel said.
With its compelling narrative, stunning visuals, and strong backing from the Nigerian government, Mai Martaba is poised to make a significant impact on the global film scene and become a strong contender for the 2025 Academy Award.
