The Ibadan International Film Festival (IIFF) 5.0 has concluded its 2026 edition with participation from filmmakers and creative professionals representing more than 119 countries, further expanding the festival’s international reach.
The fifth edition, held virtually from September 17 to 19, 2026, was themed “Reimagining the African Film Industry” and featured film screenings, moderated discussions and industry-focused sessions designed to connect African filmmakers with the wider global film community.
The three-day festival brought together actors, directors, producers, writers, cinematographers, editors, students and cinema audiences, showcasing a diverse selection of films while creating opportunities for industry dialogue, learning and collaboration.
A major highlight of the festival was the announcement of winners across acting, directing, technical and film categories.
Korede Lawal emerged as Best Actor – Male for On Our Skin, while Sidney Fahlsch won Best Actor – Female for November Fog. Johnson Ibeh received the Best Supporting Actor – Male award for On Our Skin, while Tian Xin won Best Supporting Actor – Female for Jade Buddha Amulet.
In the directing and craft categories, Amur Amerkhanov won Best Director for The Letter, while Somto Ihezue and Innocent Chizaram Ilo received the Best Screenplay award for On Our Skin. Mahboob Shokrzadeh was named Best Cinematographer for Holy Water.
The festival’s major film awards also reflected its international character. The Letter from Russia won Best Feature Film – International, while Nigeria’s What Emma Wants, by Njoku Samuel Kehinde, won Best Feature Film – Nigeria.
Prof. Saheed Aderinto’s The Women of Fuji won Best Documentary, while Papá from Mexico emerged Best Animation. Nigeria’s Donald Tombia won Best Short Film for ÒDÈ! There Is No Bus Stop on This Trip.
The festival also placed emphasis on emerging talent, with Sensei Ayodeji Sanni’s Echoes from the Past winning Best Student Film – International, while Abiodun Udom’s On Our Skin took Best Student Film – Nigeria.
Beyond the competition, IIFF 5.0 featured industry sessions covering film costume, makeup and special effects, artificial intelligence and filmmaking technology, opportunities for young filmmakers, and film distribution.
The organisers said the festival was designed not only to celebrate cinema but also to promote cultural exchange, talent development and global dialogue, while strengthening Ibadan’s position as a platform connecting African filmmakers with international audiences and industry stakeholders.
Speaking on the festival’s broader vision, Usman Olarotimi Ogunlade, Convener of the Ibadan International Film Festival, said the festival was created to provide filmmakers with a platform to showcase their work, connect with industry professionals and access opportunities beyond geographical boundaries.
“IIFF was created from a belief in the power of film to connect people, preserve culture and create opportunities. With each edition, we are building a platform where filmmakers can showcase their stories, learn from one another and connect with audiences and industry professionals across the world.
The response to the fifth edition demonstrates the growing appetite for African stories and the importance of creating platforms through which those stories can travel beyond geographical boundaries.”
Also speaking, Head of Media, Ibadan International Film Festival, Fẹmi Alagbala highlighted the significance of the festival’s growing international participation and its focus on meaningful industry engagement.
“IIFF 5.0 has reinforced our commitment to creating meaningful connections across the global film ecosystem. Beyond the films and awards, this edition was about conversations, knowledge sharing and creating opportunities for collaboration. We are grateful to the filmmakers, partners, speakers, volunteers and audiences whose contributions made this edition possible.”
With participation from filmmakers and creative professionals across more than 119 countries, IIFF 5.0 underscored the growing international interest in African cinema while providing a platform for cultural exchange, industry learning and collaboration. The festival continues to position Ibadan as a meeting point for African filmmakers and the wider global creative community.
