Joseph Chibu
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. The festival, held from October 1 to 10, 2026, 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, with the screening of The Chronicles of Afrobeats, directed by Nigerian filmmaker and music executive Oluseun John Abisagboola, popularly known as Bankuli. The opening 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. The discussion focused on the growth of the Nigerian film industry, international partnerships and opportunities for collaboration between Nigerian and German filmmakers. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Senator Ita Enang, and the Director of Arsenal Film Institut, Stefanie Schulte Strathaus, alongside several filmmakers, producers and creative industry stakeholders from both countries.
A major highlight of the Berlin opening was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned German filmmaker Volker Schlöndorff in recognition of his outstanding contributions to international cinema. Schlöndorff, whose career spans several decades, has also filmed documentaries across Africa, including Nigeria. A Special Recognition Award was also presented to the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, in recognition of 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.
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 press conference, a Special Recognition Award was presented to Chief Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, in acknowledgement of his contributions to the promotion and preservation of 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 Fiberisima. Another Nigerian production, Evi, directed by Uyoyou Adia, was also screened during the festival in Hannover. Uyoyou Adia received an award in recognition of her outstanding creativity and artistic achievement in directing Evi, while Ibinabo Fiberesima was also honoured for her contributions to the Nigerian film industry. Festival activities extended to Bremen and Hamburg, where Love and New Notes, directed by Kayode Kasum, was screened in both cities. On Different Grounds, directed by Mildred Okwo, was also screened in Bremen.
The 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, as a platform to promote film collaboration, cultural exchange, international distribution and co-production opportunities between Nigeria and Germany. According to the organisers, the festival was established to create a sustainable platform for Nigerian and German filmmakers to connect, exchange ideas, develop partnerships and explore business opportunities within both film industries, while promoting Nigerian cinema to wider European audiences.
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 festival also enjoyed the support of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), whose involvement further strengthened the initiative’s objective of building sustainable partnerships between the Nigerian and German film industries.
The second edition of the Germany Nigeria Film Week has been scheduled for October 4–9, 2027, with plans to expand its programming, industry participation and international partnerships.