Damilola Orimogunje's "Dear Ajayi" Chosen for Oscars 2027

"Dear Ajayi," a family drama directed and produced by Damilola Orimogunje, has been selected as Nigeria's official submission for the International Feature Film category of the 2027 Academy Awards. The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) made this announcement after reviewing films submitted during its call for entries from August 1 to August 31.

The film, a co-production between Nigeria and Germany, is set in southwestern Nigeria during the 1990s and follows the story of two estranged sisters, Ade and Titi Ajayi, who must live together to care for their paralyzed mother. Ade, portrayed as a devout Christian and the family's breadwinner, struggles to connect with Titi, an aspiring singer with an independent spirit.

The cast includes Bimbo Akintola, Uzoamaka Power, Tosin Adeyemi, and Baaj Adebule. While the selection is significant, it does not guarantee an Oscar nomination, as the Academy will evaluate the film's eligibility alongside other international submissions.