Ibadan International Film Festival 5.0 Celebrates Global Filmmaking Talent

The Ibadan International Film Festival (IIFF) 5.0 has concluded its 2026 edition with filmmakers and creative professionals from more than 119 countries participating in the three-day virtual festival held from September 17 to 19. Themed “Reimagining the African Film Industry,” the fifth edition featured film screenings, moderated discussions and industry sessions aimed at connecting African filmmakers with the wider global film community. Actors, directors, producers, writers, cinematographers, editors, students and cinema audiences participated in the event, which provided opportunities for learning, collaboration and industry engagement.

A major highlight was the announcement of winners across acting, directing, technical and film categories. Korede Lawal won Best Actor – Male for On Our Skin, while Sidney Fahlsch received Best Actor – Female for November Fog. Johnson Ibeh won Best Supporting Actor – Male for On Our Skin, while Tian Xin took Best Supporting Actor – Female for Jade Buddha Amulet. Amur Amerkhanov won Best Director for The Letter, while Somto Ihezue and Innocent Chizaram Ilo received Best Screenplay for On Our Skin. Mahboob Shokrzadeh was named Best Cinematographer for Holy Water.

The festival’s major film awards reflected its international participation, with Russia’s The Letter winning Best Feature Film – International and Nigeria’s What Emma Wants, by Njoku Samuel Kehinde, taking Best Feature Film – Nigeria. Prof. Saheed Aderinto’s The Women of Fuji won Best Documentary, while Mexico’s Papá emerged Best Animation. Donald Tombia won Best Short Film for ÒDÈ! There Is No Bus Stop on This Trip. In the student categories, Sensei Ayodeji Sanni’s Echoes from the Past won Best Student Film – International, while Abiodun Udom’s On Our Skin took Best Student Film – Nigeria.

Beyond the competition, IIFF 5.0 featured sessions on film costume, makeup and special effects, artificial intelligence and filmmaking technology, opportunities for young filmmakers and film distribution. Convener Usman Olarotimi Ogunlade said the festival was created to help filmmakers showcase their work, connect with industry professionals and access opportunities beyond geographical boundaries, while Head of Media Fẹmi Alagbala said the fifth edition strengthened the festival’s commitment to creating connections across the global film ecosystem. With participation from more than 119 countries, the organisers said IIFF 5.0 further demonstrated international interest in African cinema and reinforced Ibadan’s position as a platform for cultural exchange, industry learning and collaboration.