Germany-Nigeria Film Week Closes with Awards for Schlöndorff, Musawa, Gani Adams, Others
The maiden edition of the Germany-Nigeria Film Week has ended with awards for prominent personalities in the film and cultural sectors, following ten days of screenings, professional engagements and cultural exchanges across four German cities.
Held from October 1 to 10, 2026, the festival brought together filmmakers, government officials, cultural institutions and creative industry stakeholders from Nigeria and Germany to strengthen bilateral relations and explore opportunities for collaboration in filmmaking, distribution and co-production.
Among those honoured 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 a screening of The Chronicles of Afrobeats, directed by Nigerian filmmaker and music executive Oluseun John Abisagboola, popularly known as Bankuli.
The opening programme featured a fireside discussion 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. Their conversation examined the development of Nigeria’s film industry, international partnerships and prospects for stronger cooperation 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 present at the event, alongside filmmakers, producers and other creative industry professionals.
A major moment at the Berlin ceremony 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 growth and promotion of Nigeria’s creative industry. The award was collected on her behalf by Husseini.
From Berlin, the festival moved to Hannover, where SONNENKINDFILM e.V., led by Michael Davies, co-founder of the Germany-Nigeria Film Week, organised a press conference attended by festival delegates and representatives of the film industry.
At the Hannover event, Adams was presented with a Special Recognition Award for his efforts in promoting and preserving African culture and heritage.
The city’s programme also featured Amanyanabo: The Eagle King, produced by veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ibinabo Fiberesima and directed by Fred Amata and Fiberesima.
Another Nigerian film, Evi, directed by Uyoyou Adia, was screened during the Hannover programme. Adia received an award recognising her creativity and artistic achievement in directing the production, while Fiberesima was also honoured for her contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
The festival subsequently 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 initiative was established by Mykel Parish Ajaere of Nigeria’s Pan-African Film Development & Advancement Foundation (PAFDAF) and Michael Davies of Germany’s SONNENKINDFILM e.V.
The organisers said the platform was created to foster lasting relationships between Nigerian and German filmmakers, encourage cultural exchange, promote international film distribution and facilitate co-production opportunities.
They added that the initiative would enable industry professionals from both countries to exchange ideas, build partnerships and explore commercial opportunities while introducing Nigerian films to wider European audiences.
The inaugural festival received institutional and logistical support from the Office of the Mayor of Hannover, Arsenal Film Institut Berlin, KoKi Cinema Hannover, City 46 Cinema Bremen and Metropolis Kino Hamburg.
The Nigerian Film Corporation and the National Film and Video Censors Board also supported the initiative, reinforcing efforts to establish sustainable partnerships between the two countries’ film industries.
The organisers have scheduled the second edition of the Germany-Nigeria Film Week for October 4–9, 2027, with plans to broaden its programme, increase industry participation and deepen international partnerships.
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