The inaugural Germany-Nigeria Film Week has successfully concluded after ten days of film screenings, industry engagements, cultural exchanges and awards across Berlin, Hannover, Bremen and Hamburg, Germany.
Held from October 1 to 10, 2026, the festival brought together filmmakers, government representatives, cultural institutions and industry stakeholders from Nigeria and Germany to promote cinematic collaboration and strengthen cultural relations between both countries.
The opening ceremony took place on October 1 at the Arsenal Film Institut in Berlin, featuring the screening of The Chronicles of Afrobeats, directed by Nigerian filmmaker and music executive Oluseun John Abisagboola, popularly known as Bankuli.
The event also featured a fireside chat between the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Ali Nuhu, and the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini. Discussions centred on 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 the Director of Arsenal Film Institut, Stefanie Schulte Strathaus, alongside filmmakers, producers and creative industry stakeholders from both countries.
One of the major highlights of the Berlin opening was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned German filmmaker Volker Schlöndorff in recognition of his contributions to international cinema.
Schlöndorff, whose career spans several decades, has also filmed documentaries across Africa, including Nigeria.
The Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, received a Special Recognition Award for her contributions to the development and promotion of Nigeria’s creative industry. The award was received on her behalf by Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director of the NFVCB.
The recognition highlighted the festival’s commitment to celebrating individuals whose work contributes to the growth of cinema and the wider creative economy.
Gani Adams, Ibinabo Fiberesima and Uyoyou Adia Recognised
Following the Berlin opening, the festival continued in Hannover, where SONNENKINDFILM e.V., led by Michael Davies, co-founder of Germany-Nigeria Film Week, hosted a press conference attended by festival delegates, filmmakers and industry representatives.
During the event, a Special Recognition Award was presented to Chief Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, in acknowledgement of his contributions to promoting and preserving African culture and heritage.
The Hannover programme featured the screening of Amanyanabo: The Eagle King, produced by veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ibinabo Fiberesima and directed by Fred Amata and Ibinabo Fiberesima, according to information provided by the organisers.
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.
Nigerian Films Screened Across Four German Cities
The festival’s activities extended to Bremen and Hamburg, providing additional opportunities for German audiences to experience Nigerian cinema.
Love and New Notes, directed by Kayode Kasum, was screened in both cities, while On Different Grounds, directed by Mildred Okwo, was also screened in Bremen.
The screenings formed part of the festival’s broader objective of introducing Nigerian stories, filmmaking talent and cultural perspectives to wider European audiences.
By bringing Nigerian productions to cinema venues across four German cities, the festival created opportunities for filmmakers and audiences to engage with Nigerian narratives while exploring the potential for international distribution and collaboration.
Festival Founded to Strengthen Nigeria-Germany Film Relations
Germany-Nigeria Film Week was founded by Mykel Parish Ajaere of the Pan-African Film Development & Advancement Foundation (PAFDAF), Nigeria, and Michael Davies of SONNENKINDFILM e.V., Germany.
The initiative was established to promote film collaboration, cultural exchange, international distribution and co-production opportunities between Nigeria and Germany.
According to the organisers, the festival is intended to provide a sustainable platform for filmmakers from both countries to connect, exchange ideas, develop partnerships and explore business opportunities within their respective film industries.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen the international visibility of Nigerian cinema and encourage relationships that can support the long-term development of the creative sector.
The inaugural edition received institutional and logistical support from the Office of the Mayor of the City of Hannover, Arsenal Film Institut 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 festival, reinforcing its objective of building sustainable partnerships between the two countries’ film industries.
Second Edition Scheduled for October 2027
The organisers have scheduled the second edition of Germany-Nigeria Film Week for October 4–9, 2027.
Plans include expanding the festival’s programming, increasing industry participation and strengthening international partnerships.
The successful conclusion of the inaugural edition marks a step towards creating a recurring platform for Nigerian and German filmmakers to showcase their work, develop professional relationships and explore opportunities for cross-border film production and distribution.
As preparations for the next edition begin, the festival aims to build on the connections established during its first outing and further promote Nigerian cinema within the European film market.
