‘The Specialists’ Bags 7 Nods At Canada’s IBDFF Ahead Of Global Release

A Nollywood movie, ‘The Specialists’, has been formally selected for the 2026 International Black and Diversity Film Festival (IBDFF) in Canada and has secured seven award nominations before its global release.

This was disclosed in a statement by the founder of AFRIGOS Film Studios, Mr Paulgold Joseph, and the film’s producers.

“This recognition in Canada is a strong validation of that vision, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead,” he noted, adding that ahead of its global release, the movie is positioned to make a significant impact on audiences globally. He remarked that the movie is one of the most compelling African movies going into the global market, an unreleased title already attracting attention.

Joseph noted that the film is presently entering talks for international distribution, sales representation, and strategic partnerships across theatrical, streaming, and television platforms.

Produced in collaboration with El-Sueno Films, ‘The Specialists’, directed and produced by Joseph, is a moving political crime thriller that features themes such as power, loyalty and corruption.

Veteran actors such as Bimbo Akintola, Francis Duru and Sam Dede, among others and written by Emil Garuba, who is recognised for movies like ‘Road to Yesterday’, Lionheart’ and ‘4th Republic’, working together with his brother, Echobu Garuba.

The IBDFF 6th edition 2026 is a film festival that promotes inclusion and celebrates cultural diversity, featuring independent films by black filmmakers, black actors in major roles, and projects that portray black realities internationally.

The festival’s 6th edition is set to take place from April 17th to 19th in Ajax, Ontario.