The milkmaid, a movie directed by ex-banker turned filmmaker, Desmond Ovbiagele, has been submitted for International Film Feature (IFF), category for the Academy Awards, The Oscars, scheduled for 25th of April, 2021.
The movie, which was inspired by the image of two female Fulani fresh cow milk hawkers (Fura de nunu) on the ten Naira note, was selected from a shortlist of films by the 12-man team of Nigerian Selection Committee, NOSC chaired by Chineze Anyaene.
The movie already streaming in Nigeria premiered in Zimbabwe and Cameroun. It was shot in Taraba State, the North – East of Nigeria.
So far, the film has received eight nominations in the African Movie Academy Awards, AMAA.
The movie featured popular Northern actress, Maryam Booth amongst others. It tells us about how a milkmaid attempts to regain the freedom of her sister from the hands of terrorists.
“The milkmaid” is a movie that depicts the menace of insurgency in the Northern parts of Nigeria, particularly in the North – East. For over a decade, Boko Haram group identified as a terrorist group has kidnapped, killed, and maimed people.
The milkmaid gives us insights into the activities of the yet to be defeated terrorist group in Nigeria.
Ovbiagele’s movie is the second film ever to be submitted for the IFF category in the Oscars. Genevieve’s “Lionheart” was submitted in 2019 for the same category but was rejected due to the fact that most of the dialogue was in the English Language.
The recognition of Nigerian movies in the international scene is a welcome development. This will improve the quality of movies churned out in the industry. It will also bring in investors thereby eliminating the major problem facing Nollywood.
We at Akatarian are rooting for Desmond Ovbiagele’s “The milkmaid” and hopes he brings home the award.
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