Nigeria s Milkmaid Inspired by Kidnapping of Chikbok Schoolgirls
Shalini Dore, provided by
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Even though Nigeria has a flourishing film industry called Nollywood, 2020 was the first year that the country entered Oscar’s international film race.
Nigeria had submitted a film the previous year, but it was deemed ineligible. This year, the country pinned its hopes on “The Milkmaid,” written and directed by Desmond Ovbiagele. Even though the film didn’t make the Academy’s international film shortlist, it is making the rounds on the festival circuit. “Milkmaid” will play at the Pan-African Film Festival in the U.S. until March 14.
Sound Artists: Oscar Season Is Tough Time for Movies Unsung Heroes
Tim Gray, provided by
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Sound people had a tough year. Like everyone else in the industry, they found less film work. Second, with COVID, audiences mostly watched movies on the small screen, not getting the full impact of sound, which could affect Oscar voting. (Adding insult to injury: When journalists write about the disadvantages of home viewing, they often focus on cinematography, but a lot of BTL work is diminished on a smaller screen, including sound.)
Third, Oscar’s two sound categories were combined last year, which pinpoints a key AMPAS question: Is the Oscar show for saluting great work or is it primarily a TV show to entertain the masses?
Theatrical Viewing Adds Tangible Benefits to Awards Hopefuls
Tim Gray, provided by
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Hollywood has always adapted to world changes, and Oscar campaigning this year has effectively adjusted to COVID. But one part of the awards season is missed more than the others: seeing a contender on the big screen.
Studios have delayed several big-scale films, including “Dune” and “West Side Story,” until later in 2021. So “small” movies are dominating the season, but even they are feeling the effects.
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The sound design of “Minari” and “Sound of Metal,” the cinematography of “Nomadland” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” the production design of “One Night in Miami” and “The Father,” to name just a few, are admirable on the small-screen, but the nuances would be even more effective in a theater.