Film festivals are events usually organized in specific regions to screen and highlight films and filmmakers for a live audience made up of enthusiasts and industry stakeholders. They showcase the best of cinema as specific to the regions and cities they represent or cover. The most celebrated film festivals in the world bestow prestigious honors upon groundbreaking movies and directors. For instance, the Sundance Film Festival in the United States presents the Grand Jury Award, celebrating the creativity and vision of independent filmmakers. Similarly, the Berlin International Film Festival grants the coveted Golden Bear statue to recognize cinematic achievements. At the iconic Cannes International Film Festival held annually in France, the highest prize that can be awarded is the iconic Palme d’Or, reserved only for the very best films featured there. Film festivals provide a platform for showcasing movies to live audiences while connecting filmmakers to potential investors. Nigerian films and filmmakers are increasingly gaining exposure through international film festivals. Last year, C.J. Obasi’s film Mamiwater (2023) won Best Cinematography at the esteemed Sundance Film Festival. Additionally, Nigerian media executive Mo Abudu’s short film Iyawo mi (2023) premiered at the acclaimed Cannes Film Festival.
Though international acclaim matters, local film festivals should be pulled close as well. Several long-running domestic festivals have become integral platforms for showcasing Nigerian cinema and talent. So, if you can’t reach an international festival just yet, here are 6 Nigerian film festivals you can consider.
1. African International Film Festival (AFRIFF)
Topping the list is the biggest film festival in Nigeria, the Africa International Film Festival, held in Lagos, Nigeria. Founded 11 years ago by Chioma Ude, the film festival has made a name for itself within the industry.
Averaging 10,000 yearly attendees to uncover new talent from all over Africa and the diaspora. It has hosted esteemed judges like Tunde Kelani and Mahmood Ali-Balogun and special guests like U.S. producers Geneva Wasserman and Stephen Love. AFRIFF is one of the most reputable film festivals in Africa and does a good job of attracting local and international film enthusiasts. Additionally, it offers programs such as the AFRIFF Film Fund and masterclasses for willing filmmakers.
Some Nigerian stars were honored at the 2023 AFRIFF Globe Awards including Ini Edo for Shanty Town, Richard Mofe Damijo for The Black Book, Kunle Remi for Anikulapo, and Funke Akindele for Battle on Buka Street.
2. S16 Film Festival
Every year since 2021, the Surreal 16 Film Festival has garnered significant attention for celebrating and publicizing African films.
Established by acclaimed filmmakers C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi, Abba T. Makama, and Michael Omonua, the event spotlights African cinema and the talent behind it. In the first edition, S16 screened ten short films and one feature-length film, including Juju Stories by the S16 trio. Juju Stories later earned international praise in The New York Times ‘Five Horror Stories to Stream Now,’ attesting to the brilliance of the S16 film festival.
The 2023 edition marked the third year of S16’s mission to celebrate bold, rising filmmakers. Opening with the Senegalese romance Banel and Adama (2023), events were held from December 7-10 at the Alliance Française center in Lagos. Other highlights included short film showcases, a brunch with filmmakers, and a discussion with directors Makama and Obasi.
3. Edo State International Film Festival (ESIFF)
Living up to Edo State’s reputation as the “heartbeat of the nation,” Governor Godwin Obaseki established the Edo State International Film Festival (ESIFF) in 2022. Held annually in Benin City, ESIFF has quickly become a landmark event celebrating African cinema and culture on the global stage.
Major awards handed out at ESIFF include Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best International Film, Best Director, and Best Cinematography. For the 2023 festival, over 3,000 films were submitted from more than 80 countries. After a competitive selection process, ESIFF selected 486 films for the festival.
Speaking about the goal of the festival last year, Festival director Violet Okosun, said, “ESIFF continues to be a beacon for filmmakers globally, and this year’s selection of 486 films from over 80 countries, including Iran, India, United States of America, and United Kingdom, underscores the festival’s commitment to showcasing the diverse tapestry of global cinema. We are thrilled to provide a platform that not only celebrates outstanding films but also fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas and skills within the industry.”
With submissions and recognition continuing to grow, the Edo State International Film Festival continues to establish itself as an exciting hub for film enthusiasts and industry talent.
4. Zuma International Film Festival (ZIFF)
The Zuma International Film Festival, held in Nigeria’s capital territory, is one of the longest-running film festivals in the country. Organized by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCFA), with Edmund Peters as festival director, it attracts around 4,700 audience members annually.
With the 2023 theme “Cultural Convergence,” the event drew 3,340 diverse submissions from around the world while also highlighting local filmmakers. The winning Best Film was Face to Face, directed by Robert Peters, whose lead actor Kenneth Okolie won Best Actor. Other highlights of the 2022 festival, which ran from December 1-10, included celebrating international cinema and fostering Nigerian talent. Planning is underway for the next Zuma International Film Festival later this year.
5. Eko International Film Festival (EKOIFF)
The Eko International Film Festival was founded in 2008 by Hope Obioma, publisher of Supple Magazine. It has become a pillar of Nigerian film festivals while it promotes African cinema and international films demonstrating African excellence. The first festival was held in Lagos in 2010, bringing together filmmakers from Nigeria, Kenya, the U.K., Germany, France, Spain, and the U.S.
The most recent 2023 edition awarded several top honors, including Best Short Documentary Film to the Kenyan production Entomononi Nagol, Best Feature Film to the Nigerian movie Kamsi, and Best Short Film to Apache Girl (USA). Nigerian actor Wole Ojo won Best Actor for his role in Kamsi. Shaffy Bello earned Best Supporting Actress for the U.K. film Identical Justice (2022), produced by British-Nigerian actress Toyin Olabintan. The festival director is Chidi Nwokeabia, with U.S. representation by George W. Opara.
6. Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF)
Set in motion for 19 years and counting, the Abuja International Film Festival is a great platform for African and foreign filmmakers to exhibit their art. Founded by Temitope Duker, the festival takes place annually in Abuja and attracts around 2,500 attendees on average.
The AIFF holds the distinction of being the longest continually running film festival in Anglophone West Africa. In 2022, it received a total of 1,771 film submissions from 81 countries, of which 91 films were selected. Its top awards include Best Feature, Best Short, Best Documentary, Best Animation, Best Experimental, and Audience Special Jury Award.
Some of the winners of the 2023 AIFF are Dangerous Mission for Overall Best Film (Golden Jury Award), Outstanding Actress Bimbo Akintola for her role in Dangerous Mission, Ugandan Animation No Way Out for Outstanding Animation Film, Leaked, a Nigerian film for Outstanding Student Film, and Nigerian Saving Raymond for Outstanding Feature Film.