Germany-Nigeria Film Week: Schlöndorff, Musawa, Gani Adams, others bag awards
By Maureen Aguta
The inaugural Germany-Nigeria Film Week has ended on a high note, celebrating outstanding contributions to cinema, culture and the creative economy while opening new avenues for collaboration between Nigerian and German filmmakers.
The 10-day festival, held from October 1 to 10, 2026, featured film screenings, industry engagements, cultural exchanges and award presentations across Berlin, Hannover, Bremen and Hamburg, bringing together filmmakers, government representatives, cultural institutions and creative industry stakeholders from both countries.
Among the major award recipients were renowned German filmmaker Volker Schlöndorff, Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams.
The festival opened 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 ceremony also featured a fireside chat between the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Ali Nuhu, and the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr Shaibu Husseini.
The discussion explored the growth of Nigeria’s film industry, international partnerships and opportunities for deeper collaboration between Nigerian and German filmmakers.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Senator Ita Enang, and the Director of Arsenal Film Institut, Stefanie Schulte Strathaus, were among the dignitaries at the event, alongside filmmakers, producers and other creative industry stakeholders.
A major highlight of the Berlin programme was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Schlöndorff for his contributions to international cinema. The veteran filmmaker, whose career spans several decades, has also produced documentaries across Africa, including Nigeria.
Musawa received a Special Recognition Award for her contributions to the development and promotion of Nigeria’s creative industry. The award was received on her behalf by Husseini.
The festival subsequently moved to Hannover, where SONNENKINDFILM e.V., led by Michael Davies, co-founder of the Germany-Nigeria Film Week, hosted a press conference attended by festival delegates, filmmakers and industry representatives.
At the event, Adams received a Special Recognition Award in acknowledgement of his contributions to promoting and preserving 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 Fiberesima.
Another Nigerian production, Evi, directed by Uyoyou Adia, was also screened. Adia received an award recognising her creativity and artistic achievement in directing the film, while Fiberesima was honoured for her contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
The festival’s 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.
Beyond celebrating filmmakers and cultural icons, the festival was established to strengthen the commercial and creative relationships between Nigeria and Germany through international distribution, co-production and knowledge exchange.
It was founded by Mykel Parish Ajaere of the Pan-African Film Development & Advancement Foundation (PAFDAF), Nigeria, and Davies of SONNENKINDFILM e.V., Germany.
The organisers said the initiative was designed to provide a sustainable platform for filmmakers from both countries to connect, exchange ideas, develop partnerships and explore business opportunities while introducing 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 Nigerian Film Corporation and the NFVCB also supported the festival, reinforcing efforts to build sustainable partnerships between the two countries’ film industries.
With the inaugural edition concluded, the organisers have scheduled the second Germany-Nigeria Film Week for October 4–9, 2027, with plans to expand its programming, industry participation and international partnerships.