Nigeria has selected “Dear Ajayi,” a family drama from writer-director Damilola Orimogunje, as its official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards, the Nigerian Official Selection Committee announced this week.
The committee, chaired by actress-filmmaker Stephanie Linus, said it “congratulates the filmmakers behind Dear Ajayi on their selection” and “looks forward to presenting the film for the Academy’s consideration.” The film follows two estranged sisters, played by Bimbo Akintola and Tosin Adeyemi, who are forced back together after their father’s sudden death exposes old resentments and unspoken grief. Orimogunje described it as a story about “women who stand on opposite sides of belief and freedom, yet are bound by blood, silence, and duty.” Selection as Nigeria’s entry does not guarantee a nomination; the film still faces Academy review before shortlists are announced in January.
Nollywood also notched a box office milestone this month as “Agbara Nla: The Return,” a modern revival of Mount Zion Film Productions’ 1993 Christian classic, grossed over ₦170.6 million in its first four days, according to FilmX data reported by Nairametrics. Its preview screenings alone pulled in more than ₦71 million from over 12,000 admissions, the biggest single-day preview gross in Nollywood history, before an opening weekend that brought in ₦99.15 million.
Director Damilola Mike-Bamiloye, reacting to the numbers, wrote on Instagram that “God alone made it possible… this is God’s doing, and we are grateful.” The film, which revives a franchise last seen in cinemas roughly 33 years ago, is now recorded as the biggest non-December Nollywood opening and the biggest opening ever for a faith-based Nigerian film.
Sources: Voice of Nigeria, Nairametrics
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