Germany-Nigeria Film Week 2026 Closes With Awards For Schlöndorff, Musawa, Gani Adams, Others

 By Stella Okocha

The inaugural Germany-Nigeria Film Week has concluded after 10 days of screenings, industry engagements, cultural exchanges and awards across Berlin, Hannover, Bremen and Hamburg.

The festival, which held from October 1 to 10, 2026, brought together filmmakers, government representatives, cultural institutions and industry stakeholders from both countries to promote cinematic collaboration and strengthen cultural ties.

Opening ceremony took place on October 1 at Arsenal Film Institut, Berlin, with screening of _The Chronicles of Afrobeats_, directed by Nigerian filmmaker and music executive, Oluseun John Abisagboola, popularly known as Bankuli.

The event also featured fireside chat between Managing Director of Nigerian Film Corporation, Ali Nuhu, and Executive Director of National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, on growth of Nigerian film industry and opportunities for collaboration.

Among dignitaries present were Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Senator Ita Enang, and Director of Arsenal Film Institut, Stefanie Schulte Strathaus.

Highlight of Berlin opening was presentation of Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned German filmmaker, Volker Schlöndorff, for outstanding contributions to international cinema. Schlöndorff has filmed documentaries across Africa, including Nigeria.

Special Recognition Award was also presented to Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, for contributions to development and promotion of Nigeria’s creative industry. Award was received on her behalf by Dr. Husseini.

After Berlin, festival continued in Hannover, where SONNENKINDFILM e.V., led by Michael Davies, co-founder of Germany Nigeria Film Week, hosted press conference for delegates and filmmakers.

During press conference, Special Recognition Award was presented to Chief Gani Adams, Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, for promotion and preservation of African culture and heritage.

Hannover programme featured screening of _Amanyanabo: The Eagle King_, produced by Ibinabo Fiberesima and directed by Fred Amata and Ibinabo Fiberesima, and _Evi_, directed by Uyoyou Adia.

Adia received award for outstanding creativity and artistic achievement for _Evi_, while Fiberesima was honoured for contributions to Nigerian film industry.

Festival extended to Bremen and Hamburg, where _Love and New Notes_, directed by Kayode Kasum, was screened in both cities, while _On Different Grounds_, directed by Mildred Okwo, was screened in Bremen.

Germany Nigeria Film Week was founded by Mykel Parish Ajaere of Pan-African Film Development & Advancement Foundation, PAFDAF, and Michael Davies of SONNENKINDFILM e.V., as platform to promote film collaboration, cultural exchange, international distribution and co-production opportunities.

According to organisers, festival aims to create sustainable platform for filmmakers to connect, exchange ideas, develop partnerships and explore business opportunities, while promoting Nigerian cinema to wider European audience.

Inaugural edition received institutional and logistical support from Office of Mayor of City of Hannover, Arsenal Film Institut Berlin, KoKi Cinema Hannover, City 46 Cinema Bremen, Metropolis Kino Hamburg, Nigerian Film Corporation and NFVCB.

Second edition has been scheduled for October 4 to 9, 2027, with plans to expand programming, industry participation and international partnerships.