NIGERIA’S FILM FESTIVALS TAKE CENTRE STAGE AS NFFA UNVEILS 2026 CALENDAR
By Emeka Amaefula
Nigeria’s film and creative industry is set for a busy and exciting year as the Nigerian Film Festivals Association (NFFA) officially unveiled its comprehensive nationwide film festival calendar for 2026, a move widely seen as a strategic push to deepen Nollywood’s cultural and economic influence both at home and on the global stage.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the National Chairman of the Association, Kate Ezeigbo, described the NFFA as the umbrella body responsible for coordinating, supporting and regulating film festivals across Nigeria. She explained that the Association has continued to play a central role in shaping the country’s festival ecosystem by providing structure, credibility and professional standards for film events across the six geopolitical zones.
Ezeigbo noted that beyond entertainment, film festivals have become powerful tools for cultural storytelling, tourism promotion and economic development. According to her, the Association’s mission is focused on fostering collaboration among filmmakers, encouraging cultural exchange, expanding market opportunities for Nigerian films and promoting creativity and innovation within the industry, while ensuring that host communities directly benefit from festival activities.
The 2026 calendar reflects this inclusive vision, with festivals spread across the length and breadth of the country. Activities will commence with the Imo Film Festival holding from January 15 to 17 in Owerri, Imo State, followed by the Coal City Film Festival scheduled for March 26 to 28 in Enugu. The Nollywood Iconic Personalities and Film Festival will run from May 5 to 8 across multiple states, while Lagos will host the Eko International Film Festival from May 11 to 15.
Mid-year events include the Gospel Film Festival from June 3 to 5 in Ibadan, Oyo State, and the Imo International Film Festival from July 23 to 25 in Owerri. As the year progresses, the Ìbàdàn International Film Festival will take place from September 17 to 19, followed by the Kano International Film Festival from September 27 to 30 in Kano State. October will see Umuahia, Abia State, host the Abia International Film Festival from October 15 to 18.
The calendar also features the Starlinks Cultural International Film Festival and Awards from October 22 to 24 in Asaba, Delta State, alongside the Benin City Film Festival from October 29 to 31 in Edo State. Port Harcourt will equally come alive with the Rivers International Film Festival running from October 29 to November 1.
November promises an intense festival run with the Jos Community Film Festival from November 4 to 6 in Plateau State.
Other major events lined up include the Bayelsa International Film Festival from November 11 to 14, the Lafia Documentary Film Festival from November 12 to 14, and the Kano Indigenous Languages of Africa Film Market and Festival from November 17 to 21. Also scheduled are the Badagry International Film Festival from November 19 to 21 in Lagos State and the Igbowood Arts Exhibition Film Festival and Awards from November 20 to 22 in the South-East. The Kingdom Film Festival will round off the month from November 27 to 29 in Lagos.
December will close the year on a high note, beginning with the Zuma International Film Festival from December 1 to 5 in Abuja and the African Indigenous Language Film Festival from December 2 to 5 in Lagos. The Warri International Film Festival is slated for December 8 to 12 in Delta State, while the Village Arts and Film Festival will hold from December 20 to 22 in Owerri, Imo State.
The prestigious ZAFAA Global Awards will also take place in 2026, with dates to be announced, operating on a rotational host-city basis.
Ezeigbo stressed that the 2026 calendar underscores the NFFA’s long-term commitment to inclusivity, cultural preservation and sustainable industry growth. She expressed confidence that the structured festival lineup will further position Nigeria as a leading film festival destination in Africa, while opening new opportunities for filmmakers, investors and creative professionals across the value chain.
————–Emeka Amaefula —–+234(0)8111813069—-
