Abuja International Film Festival Celebrates 22 Years with Global Showcase

The Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF) is set to celebrate its 22nd edition from November 6 to 10, 2025, with an opening ceremony and a closing awards gala. The festival, which has run consistently for over two decades, including during the Covid -19 pandemic, received over 1,592 entries from 80 countries this year.

The festival will screen 70 films and feature several panel discussions and capacity-building workshops.

Nigerian films dominated the top honors, with Ajaga,, Kakanda,, and Safari among the top nominees. They were joined by international contenders ‘Iriso’ from Japan and ‘I Just Live’ from Russia, which were leading nominees in the golden jury.

In the acting categories, Nigeria’s Lateef Adedimeji,Daniel Etim  Effiong and Ikechukwu, Onanaku, made the outstanding actors category, while Osas Ighodalor, Amina,Shehu,,and Uche  Montana,were amongst other nominee in

the outstanding actresses.

In a statement released by festival media officer Abah Duker, several distinguished individuals will receive the Special Recognition Award for their contributions. Honorees for the 22nd edition include:Governor Babajide Sanwoolu of Lagos, amongst others. The Abuja International Film Festival remains West Africa’s longest-running film festival, dedicated to celebrating the art of filmmaking and promoting cultural exchange. Its continued success, even through challenging times, solidifies its position as a flagship event for Nigeria’s film industry.