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Olive Nwosu’s ‘Lady’ Set to Open AFRIFF 2026
Yinka Olatunbosun
Olive Nwosu’s acclaimed feature directorial debut, Lady, has been selected as the official opening film for the 15th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), running November 1st to 7th, in Lagos.
Set under the theme “Frames of the Future: Africa’s Creative Intelligence,” AFRIFF 2026 puts contemporary Nigerian stories at the forefront. Lady follows a fiercely independent female cab driver in Lagos who transports a group of night-shift sex workers across the city, exploring complex themes of economic survival, female agency, and sisterhood amid economic pressures. Starring Jessica Gabriel, Amanda Oruh, and Seun Kuti, the Anglo-Nigerian co-production earned a Special Jury Award at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival following international stops at Berlin and London.
Organisers noted that Lady exemplifies the bold, authentic storytelling driving modern African cinema. Festival founder Chioma Ude highlighted how Nwosu captures the raw energy and tenderness of nocturnal Lagos without resorting to tired clichés.
The premiere kicks off a week featuring 130 film screenings, masterclasses, and the AFRIFF Film & Content Market, celebrating the continent’s dynamic cinematic landscape before Hakeem Kae-Kazim’s It’s the Blackness closes the festival.
The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in its 15th edition has the theme “Frames of the Future: Africa’s Creative Intelligence.” This year’s festival is aimed at celebrating the imagination, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit shaping the future of African cinema and the wider creative industry.
Expectedly, this edition will explore how African storytellers are redefining narratives, embracing emerging technologies and creative formats, and developing innovative business models to finance, produce and distribute their work.
On the strength of a programme spanning film screenings, industry conversations, masterclasses, networking opportunities and the Africa Film & Content Market (AFCM), AFRIFF seeks to amplify African voices, unlock new opportunities and strengthen the continent’s position in global storytelling.
AFRIFF Founder and Festival Director, Chioma Ude, in anticipation of the festival, said: “African cinema is entering an exciting new chapter, driven not only by the power of our stories but also by the intelligence, innovation and enterprise behind them. With ‘Frames of the Future: Africa’s Creative Intelligence,’ we are
celebrating the people reimagining how African stories are created, financed, experienced and shared with the world. AFRIFF 2026 is designed to inspire new possibilities, encourage meaningful industry connections and help translate Africa’s creative potential into sustainable
opportunities.”
As AFRIFF marks its 15th edition, Ude’s remarks will provide an opportunity to reflect on the festival’s journey and its continuing role in championing African storytelling, developing industry connections and creating pathways for filmmakers to reach audiences and markets around the world.
On his part, Mr. Shuaib Hussein, Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the growth of Nigeria’s creative industries through policies that strengthen technology, distribution and infrastructure.
He described AFRIFF’s 15-year journey as a testament to the power of African storytelling and its potential to drive economic growth, connecting local creative talent with global audiences.
Commending founder Chioma Ude for sustaining the festival and championing capacity building through the AFRIFF Academy, he assured the festival of the Ministry’s continued partnership and institutional support, urging the media to help bring African stories to audiences around the world.
The festival’s international outlook was reflected in remarks from diplomatic representatives at the event, who highlighted the role of cinema in connecting cultures and creating opportunities for collaboration across borders.
In remarks at the event, U.S. Consul General Brandon Hudspeth noted that the U.S. Mission in Nigeria is proud to support the Africa International Film Festival for the 11th consecutive year as part of ongoing efforts to further strengthen the collaboration between the American and Nigerian film industries. Consul General Hudspeth announced the participation of two U.S. film envoys, Angel Kristi Williams and Charles Kirby, who will lead weeklong workshops for emerging Nigerian filmmakers on directing and cinematography, sharing expertise, building connections, and exploring creative collaborations.
“Our goal is to give Nigeria creatives the tools and connections to shape their own
future and do business with American platforms, studios and investors,” Consul General Hudspeth added.
The Brazilian Consul General, Ronaldo Vieria, highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and international collaboration in strengthening the film industry, recognising cinema’s ability to connect countries, cultures and audiences.
Matthieu Thibaudault who serves as the Regional Audiovisual Attaché for the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, reassured: “We want to create, we want to co-produce. We are here to find new audiences.”
The remarks underscored the value of AFRIFF in fostering creative partnerships and expanding opportunities for filmmakers across borders.
Beyond its opening and closing films, the official selection presents a compelling slate of special screenings that reflect the festival’s international outlook and commitment to cinematic exchange.
Through collaborations with diplomatic missions and the participation of distinguished filmmakers and screen personalities, the programme brings African stories into conversation with perspectives from across the world.
