Multiple film festivals are returning across the country as the year ends. And as the case is, we will be exposed to an exciting collection of films, including titles that have travelled the international festival circuit so far, had limited theatrical release and/or new films making their first public screenings.
Moreover, these festivals act as spaces for community building, networking while getting familiar with projects from a diverse range of filmmakers. What’s more encouraging is the festivals usually require little to no cost for attendance, although online registration may be required.
Further highlights include filmmaker Q&As, industry conversations, masterclasses, workshops and awards, while Independent, experimental, short and international films will give audiences more ways to discover cinema outside their regular theatrical and streaming releases.
Here are some of the Nigerian festivals to look out for as the year ends.
Lights Camera Africa Film Festival (Lagos)
After a break from its regular festival run, Lights, Camera, Africa! returns to Lagos from October 1 to 3 at the MUSON Centre. The festival has been a notable part of Lagos’ independent film culture since its launch, with previous editions bringing African features, shorts and documentaries to audiences alongside filmmaker conversations and interdisciplinary programmes.
The festival’s sixth edition in 2016, for example, opened with the Nigerian premiere of Abba Makama’s Green White Green, shortly after its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The 2026 return is continuing in those steps as the lineup includes titles that have screened at international festivals but remain without distribution in the country. Under its festival theme, Convivium: In Gathering, 2026 LCA! Film Festival lineup includes Akinola Davies Jr.’s Lizard, Ifeyinwa Arinze’s Breast Milk (Nigerian Premiere), and Praise Odigie‘s Birdie. Audience can also expect a live show performance by Senegalese performance artist Obree Arma
Abuja International Film Festival (Abuja)
The Abuja International Film Festival returns for its 23rd edition from October 20 to 24, continuing more than two decades of programming around African and international cinema. Its 2026 theme, Frames Without Borders: AI, Ethics, and the Future of Filmmaking, puts the changing relationship between artificial intelligence and filmmaking at the centre of this year’s programme.
Africa International Film Festival (Lagos)
On November 1-7, AFRIFF celebrates its 15th edition with a programme of film screenings, masterclasses, industry sessions and award night. Audiences can expect features, documentaries, shorts and animation from Africa and other parts of the world.
The AFRIFF Film & Content Market (AFCM) enters its second year, giving filmmakers, producers, distributors and buyers a place to buy and sell films and discuss distribution and co-production opportunities. The festival’s masterclasses cover areas including directing, acting, writing, cinematography, producing and distribution. The festival closes with the Globe Awards, recognising films and filmmakers from the selection.
Lagos Fringe (Lagos)
Lagos Fringe is a multidisciplinary arts festival, so film is only one part of what happens during the six-day event. Launched in 2018 by Kenneth Uphopho, the festival hosts theatre, film, music, dance, visual art, fashion and other forms of performance in the same space, with many of its activities taking place at Freedom Park in Lagos.
The ninth edition, to be held on November 3-8, will continue showcasing both audiences and creatives. Its film programme provides emerging and established filmmakers a place to screen their work, while the Young Critics and Reviewers Residency gives young writers and critics an opportunity to develop their skills in reviewing film and other art forms. The festival also has a film pre-selection programme for filmmakers, critics and film enthusiasts interested in learning more about curation and programming.
There is a creative-business side to the Fringe too. Selected creatives can pitch ideas at the festival’s Investor’s Roundtable, where the winner is eligible for a 1 million naira prize. The developmental workshops are designed around practical skills and industry knowledge, while the Lagos Fringe Tribe lends a community for creatives and creative businesses to find networking and collaboration opportunities.
For audiences, the festival moves between ticketed performances and free activities, with nights of entertainment, exhibitions, workshops, markets and film screenings taking place across the programme.
Entertainment Week Africa (Lagos)
Entertainment Week Africa returns for its fifth anniversary on November 17-22, six days of programming in film and TV, music, fashion, beauty, technology, art and animation. Industry sessions, masterclasses, showcases, labs and the EWA Content Market and Deal Room are part of the activities taking place this year.
Film and TV takes the spotlight on November 19, with sessions focused on streamers, commissioners and African storytelling. The festival will also screen films from November 18–21, including the world premiere of Livespot Studios’ debut feature film University of Side Hustle.
The EWA Content Market and Deal Room functions as a platform for filmmakers and creative businesses to pitch projects and discuss funding, distribution and other business opportunities.
Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival (Enugu)
The Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival, or ENIFF, is a festival rooted in the film community in Eastern Nigeria. Running from November 18-21, the programme typically includes films from Nigeria and around the world, with priority given to female filmmakers and emerging local talent. Audiences can expect screenings, filmmaker conversations, masterclasses and opportunities to discover films and filmmakers from the region.
Ibadan Indie Film Awards (Ibadan)
Themed ÀTÙPÀ, the 2026 edition of Ibadan Indie Film Awards marks its fifth edition in operation. Taking place at New Culture Studios on November 27-29, this year’s programme includes film screenings, workshops, panel conversations, exhibitions, performances and its annual awards. The festival has also included open mic sessions, giving audiences and creatives another part of the programme to engage with outside the film screenings.
The festival’s IFA Kids programme will premiere a short film made by young participants, while the IFA Journal will document people, films and spaces connected to Ibadan’s independent film community.
Zuma International Film Festival (Abuja)
The Zuma International Film Festival, organised by the Nigerian Film Corporation, offers a wide range of films, including features, documentaries, shorts, animation, student films, music videos, skits and indigenous-language films. Scheduled to take place from December 3-6, the festival’s awards include categories for Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and other Nigerian-language films.
Last year the European Union hosted a short film competition as part of the programme’s lineup, winners went home with cash prizes. It’s unknown if it will return this year but audiences can expect a programme that offers Nigerian films across different formats and languages, while filmmakers can take part in the festival’s industry activities.
S16 Film Festival (Lagos)
S16 Film Festival is back in Lagos from December 3 to 6, with screenings primarily at Alliance Française de Lagos, Filmhouse Cinema Landmark and the Nigerian Film Corporation, however, the latter two locations are yet to be confirmed for this year’s edition. The festival keeps its attention on independent, arthouse, experimental and genre films, giving audiences a chance to see work outside the commercial cinema schedule.
This year’s programme will include the presentation of work-in-progress projects by the inaugural S16 Labs filmmakers. The session is expected to serve as an opportunity for the lab participants to present their work to industry professionals.
The festival will also host the AFP Critics Prize for the second time, following its debut at S16 in 2025.
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