The NollywoodWeek Film Festival will return to Paris from May 6 to 10, 2026, with Nigerian films forming the core of its programming. Over the years, the festival has grown into a key international stop for Nollywood (and increasingly other African countries), spotlighting brand new releases, recent theatrical titles, and emerging filmmakers for audiences in Europe.
Ahead of its 2026 edition, the festival has kicked off its selection announcement from Nigeria. Alongside the film lineup, NollywoodWeek 2026 has introduced two partnerships that expand both its audience and industry reach.
The festival’s children-focused programme, NollyKids, will partner with ToonTopia, Nigeria’s leading animation festival created by Smids Animation Studios. This collaboration hopes to strengthen the NollyKids offering with a curated selection of African animated films, alongside interactive and educational activities designed for children aged 6–12. Scheduled for May 10, the programme aims to introduce younger audiences in Paris to African storytelling through animation.
On the industry side, NollywoodWeek is also partnering with the Nigerian International Film Summit (NIFS) to position Paris as a meeting point for African and European film professionals. Taking place just ahead of the Cannes Film Festival and Marché du Film, the collaboration will feature screenings, the NIFS Best of Africa (BOA) showcase, and a series of panels, roundtables, and networking events.
The partnership is designed to connect industry stakeholders across the African film ecosystem with European industry players. With support from partners such as Canal Plus, TransPerfect, the French Embassy in Nigeria, and Cinekita, the initiative also feeds into wider conversations around co-production, financing, and the global circulation of African films.
Below are the selected Nigerian titles at this year’s edition.
Features
Evi
Directed by Uyoyou Adia and produced by Judith Audu, the musical drama follows Evi-Oghene Donalds, a rising Afrobeats star whose life unravels after her label drops her. Uzor Arukwe, Omowunmi Dada, Ibrahim Suleiman, Waje Iruobe, and Femi Branch star alongside Osas Okonyon who plays the titular role.
Ewo
Ekene Som Mekwunye’s 2025 Yoruba-language drama centres on a crisis in the fictional Ogbojọ community after its king dies. His youngest wife, Ewatomi, now a Christian convert, absconds with the king’s body to avoid the traditional burial ritual and the enthronement process that should follow.
When Nigeria Happens
Ema Edosio-Deelen’s When Nigeria Happens tells the story about a group of street dancers trying to hold on to their dreams. Featuring Abella Domdom Dominic, Ruth El Phygo Felix, Jide Kene Achufusi, Seun Ajayi, and Alex Usifo, the film follows their bond as it is tested by loss and the realities of survival.
Onobiren
Directed by Famous Odion Iraoya and written by Laju Iren, the women centric film follows Roli’s journey from Warri to Lagos, evolving into a story about survival, identity, and the support systems women build for themselves. The cast includes Ruby Akubueze, Bisola Aiyeola, Patience Ozokwor, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Norbert Young.
Reel Love
Kayode Kasum’s 2025 romance film follows Tomide (Timini Egbuson) a popular relationship influencer, and Rachel (TJ Omusuku) a woman he clashes with in a viral video. Their staged relationship for online damage control grows more complicated as real feelings begin to surface.
Wire Wire
A young software developer’s life spirals after he is falsely accused of theft. As he fights to clear his name, he must also protect his groundbreaking tech project. The new crime feature from Bolanle Austen-Peters premiered at 2026 Joburg Film Festival and is set for theatrical release in Nigeria later this year.
Shorts
God’s Wife
Starring Onyinye Odokoro, Uzochukwu Nnadi, and Ego Nworji, God’s Wife follows a widow caught between her Catholic faith and cultural expectations when she is pressured into a levirate marriage by her late husband’s family. Dika Ofoma’s short has screened in multiple festivals including S16 Film Festival.
Hussaini
Josh Olaoluwa and Orire Nwani’s latest collaboration Hussaini will follow Hussaini as he deals with everyday pressures and expectations from his family and community. The short film was nominated for Best Short Film at 2026 AMVCAs.
In Her Shoes
Halima, a 12-year-old autistic girl, struggles to be understood at home and in school. While her mother pushes her towards a path she doesn’t want, her father begins to see her differently and considers giving her a chance to live life on her own terms. Written and directed by Ella Chikezie with performances from Darasimi Nadi, Emmanuel Adex, Imoh Eboh, and Nadia Dutch.
More selection announcements are expected to follow in the coming weeks.
