‘The Milkmaid’, Nigeria’s official selection for the Oscars in the International Feature Film (IFF) category, has been dropped from the race.
According to a report by Channels Television, the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) confirmed the development on Wednesday.
According to the spokesperson, Victor Akande, the Milkmaid was among 93 movies that had initially been eligible but it did not make it to the final shortlist of 15.
“This is to thank you for your help towards the journey of “The Milkmaid” movie in this year’s Oscars.
“It is unfortunate that we (Nigeria) couldn’t make it to the next shortlist, but it was indeed a worthy attempt, and we can only say: “Tomorrow’s another day.”
“It is our belief that Nigeria will come out even stronger next year, and we will continue to count on your support.
“On behalf of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) and the team of “The Milkmaid”, I say thank you once again”
Aisha, a Fulani milkmaid, is searching for her younger sister, Zainab. Dire personal circumstances force her to approach the religious militants who were responsible for their separation in the first instance, but she is determined to find her despite the compromises she must make to do so. However, her quest to recapture her blithe past proves to be unexpectedly complicated in a world whose festering conflict provides several paths to becoming a victim with typically irreversible consequences.
The movie is produced and directed by Desmond Ovbiagele.
