The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) chairperson Chineze Anyaene-Abonyi has responded to a letter written by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, asking the committee to reconvene and make a final determination regarding a submission to the International Feature Film category for the 95th Academy Awards.
A letter by the Academy dated October 14 addressed to Mrs. Anyaene-Abonyi and vice-chairman Mahmood Ali-Balogun seen by Qed.ng granted the one-week extension which expires on October 21.
However, in another letter said to have been sent to the International Feature Film Executive Committee of the Oscars, the NOSC chairperson is requesting clarification on whether it is mandatory that countries must submit a film every year to enable them to comply with the directive moving forward.
Anyaene-Abonyi, it was learnt, reminded the committee that the NOSC internal rules state that the outcome of the voting process shall be final and binding, adding that a transparent voting exercise was conducted and the committee voted No-Film-Eligible as the winning outcome.
The chairperson said the request for a reconvening of the committee to redefine its position was strange as it is not in line with the rules and precedence.
The letter also stated that the chairperson would like to know if the Academy is categorically asking the committee to revote.
A documented directive was also requested for record purposes.
Meanwhile, Mr Ali-Balogun, and others who have taken a position contrary to that of Anyaene-Abonyi, want to go ahead with another voting exercise.
Some other members of the committee have also stated that they will not take part in a revote.
