Adé Sultan Sangodoyin’s “We Must Begin Again, Together” Set for World Premiere at Afrika Film Festival Köln

Adé Sultan Sangodoyin’s debut narrative short film, We Must Begin Again, Together, will have its world premiere at the 23rd edition of the Afrika Film Festival Köln, taking place from September 17 to 27, 2026, in Cologne, Germany. The screening marks the filmmaker’s directorial debut after previously serving as co-producer on the award-winning 2015 film Eyimofe (This Is My Desire).

Starring Teniola Aladese, We Must Begin Again, Together centres on a woman whose life unravels after discovering that her husband is involved in a secret affair with her brother. Set in a conservative community where conformity is enforced, and silence often becomes a means of survival, the betrayal forces her to confront difficult truths and embark on an unexpected journey. The cast also includes Patrick Diabuah, Yetunde Oduwole, Rose Odika, Nonso Odogwu, Sunday Joy, Kaptaintony Ofili-Akpom, Gold Ikponmwosa, Alex Ayalogu and Kayode Olaniyan.

Written and directed by Sangodoyin, the film was shot in Ibadan and produced by Melissa O. Adeyemo for Ominira Studios, alongside Sangodoyin and Jamiu Shoyode for Emperium Films. The project reunites Sangodoyin with Shoyode following their collaboration on Olive Nwosu’s Sundance-winning Lady, while also bringing him back together with Adeyemo, who previously produced Eyimofe, where Sangodoyin served as co-producer. Yanis Gaye joins the production as co-producer, while Enyi Omeruah, Abiodun Sote and Muritala Abdulsalam serve as executive producers.

The selection is a significant milestone for Sangodoyin and his collaborators given the standing of Afrika Film Festival Köln within the international festival circuit. Founded in 1992 by FilmInitiativ Köln, the Germany-based festival has grown into one of Europe’s leading showcases dedicated to African and diasporic cinema. Since its inception, it has screened more than 1,000 films from across Africa and the diaspora while hosting hundreds of filmmakers, making it an important meeting point for African filmmakers seeking international visibility beyond commercial distribution channels.

For Nigerian filmmakers, the festival has become a consistent platform for introducing new work to European audiences. In recent years, it has programmed acclaimed Nigerian titles including Surreal16’s Juju Stories, C.J. “Fiery” Obasi’s Mami Wata, Egúngún and The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Sèyí Àjàyí. Screenings at the festival often bring filmmakers into conversations with distributors, programmers, critics, and other festival organisers, helping independent African productions extend their international festival runs and build momentum for future releases. 

A world premiere at an established festival is particularly valuable for an independent short film because it serves as its first public unveiling before programmers and industry professionals. Festival premieres frequently shape a film’s international trajectory, influencing subsequent selections, awards consideration, and distribution opportunities. For We Must Begin Again, Together, the Cologne premiere is expected to serve as the launchpad for a broader international festival campaign before the filmmakers bring the short home for Nigerian audiences.