The inaugural Germany-Nigeria Film Week 2026 has concluded after ten days of film screenings, cultural exchanges and industry engagements across four German cities, with prominent personalities from Nigeria and Germany honoured for their contributions to cinema, culture and the creative industry. Held from October 1 to 10, 2026, the festival brought together filmmakers, government representatives and cultural stakeholders to strengthen ties between the two countries and explore opportunities for international film collaboration.
Berlin Opening Marks Start of Festival
The festival opened on October 1 at the Arsenal Film Institute in Berlin with a screening of The Chronicles of Afrobeats, directed by Nigerian filmmaker and music executive Oluseun John Abisagboola, popularly known as Bankuli.
The opening ceremony also featured a fireside discussion involving Nigerian Film Corporation Managing Director Ali Nuhu and National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Executive Director Dr. Shaibu Husseini.
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The discussion explored the growth of Nigeria’s film industry, international partnerships and opportunities for collaboration between Nigerian and German filmmakers.
Among the dignitaries present were Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Senator Ita Enang, and Arsenal Film Institute Director Stefanie Schulte Strathaus, alongside filmmakers, producers and other creative industry stakeholders from both countries.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned German filmmaker Volker Schlöndorff for his outstanding contributions to international cinema.
Schlöndorff, whose career spans several decades, has also filmed documentaries across Africa, including Nigeria.
The festival also presented a Special Recognition Award to Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, in recognition of her contributions to the country’s creative industry. Dr. Husseini received the award on her behalf.
Gani Adams, Ibinabo Fiberesima and Uyoyou Adia Receive Recognition
Following the Berlin opening, the festival moved to Hannover, where SONNENKINDFILM e.V., led by Michael Davies, co-founder of the Germany-Nigeria Film Week, hosted a press conference attended by festival delegates, filmmakers and industry representatives.
During the event, Chief Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, received a Special Recognition Award for his contributions to promoting and preserving African culture and heritage.
The Hannover programme featured a screening of Amanyanabo: The Eagle King, produced by veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ibinabo Fiberesima and directed by Fred Amata and Ibinabo Fiberesima.
Another Nigerian production, Evi, directed by Uyoyou Adia, was also screened during the festival.
Adia received an award in recognition of her creativity and artistic achievement in directing the film, while Fiberesima was honoured for her contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
The festival’s activities also extended to Bremen and Hamburg. Love and New Notes, directed by Kayode Kasum, was screened in both cities, while On Different Grounds, directed by Mildred Okwo, was screened in Bremen.
Festival Promotes Nigeria-Germany Film Partnerships
The Germany-Nigeria Film Week was founded by Mykel Parish Ajaere of Nigeria’s Pan-African Film Development & Advancement Foundation (PAFDAF) and Michael Davies of Germany’s SONNENKINDFILM e.V.
The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between the Nigerian and German film industries through cultural exchange, international distribution and co-production opportunities.
According to the organisers, the festival was established to provide a sustainable platform for filmmakers from both countries to connect, exchange ideas, develop partnerships and explore business opportunities.
The initiative also seeks to introduce Nigerian films to wider European audiences while encouraging greater cooperation between the two countries’ creative industries.
The inaugural edition received institutional and logistical support from the Office of the Mayor of Hannover, Arsenal Film Institute Berlin, KoKi Cinema Hannover, City 46 Cinema Bremen and Metropolis Kino Hamburg.
The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) also supported the initiative, reinforcing efforts to build lasting partnerships between the Nigerian and German film sectors.
Second Edition Scheduled for October 2027
The organisers have scheduled the second edition of the Germany-Nigeria Film Week for October 4–9, 2027.
Plans for the next edition include expanding the festival’s programme, increasing industry participation and developing more international partnerships.
The organisers hope the event will continue to create opportunities for filmmakers, strengthen cultural relations and promote Nigerian cinema within the European film market.
