Nollywood’s film ‘Safari’ topped the competition, winning the Golden Jury Award (Overall Best Film) at the 22nd Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF).
The award ceremony took place during the festival’s closing on Monday in Abuja.
The 2025 AIFF, held from November 6 to 10 under the theme: “From Script to Nation: The Role of Film in Shaping National Identity,” saw ‘Safari’ nominated in five categories, winning three- Outstanding Director, Outstanding Actress, and the prestigious Golden Jury Award.
Actress Osas Ighodalo won Outstanding Actress for her role, while veteran director Obi Emelonye received the Outstanding Director award.
The film features a star-studded cast, including Osas Ighodaro, Jide Achufusi, Emmanuel Mugo, Ken Ambani, and Ali Nuhu, alongside the Nigerian Film Corporation’s managing director, among others.
In an interview with NAN on the red carpet, Emelonye, who produced the film, expressed gratitude to the AIFF organisers and was delighted with the film’s achievements at the festival.
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“We’ve worked tirelessly since last year to create this film and bring it to audiences, with a release scheduled for November 21.
“I also thank the AIFF organisers and Providus Bank for supporting the making of this award-winning film,” he added.
Other notable winners at the 2025 AIFF include Nigeria’s Experimental Film – Monologue, Japan’s Outstanding Animation Film –Bridge My Little Friends, and Russia’s Outstanding Cinematography – Just Live.
The UK took home the award for Outstanding Short Film (Foreign) with Echoes From the Past, while Nollywood actor Ikechukwu Onanuku won Outstanding Actor for ‘Dead Tide’.
Additional winners include Nigeria’s Outstanding Short Film – Storapy Sessions on Colos, South Africa’s Outstanding Documentary – Six Kings & Six Queens, and Nigeria’s Feature Film-Kakanda by Toka Mcbaror.
The ‘Meet Me at the Park’ from the USA received the Outstanding Student Film award, and Ajaga the Yoke earned the new ‘Special Mention’ award.
NAN
