…Shettima, Gov Mbah, David Oyelowo and Hakeem Muri Okunola to receive awards
The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) returns in 2025 with a renewed commitment to highlighting African creativity and innovation, this time through the Herbert Wigwe Trailblazer Award, a festival highlight dedicated to celebrating the outstanding pioneers shaping the future of African storytelling.
The 14th edition of AFRIFF, scheduled for November 2-8, will have as its theme ‘Rhythms of the Continent: The Afrobeats Film Movement’.
The festival will explore the intersection of music, film and culture while recognizing individuals whose visionary work continues to elevate Africa’s creative industries on the global stage.
The Herbert Wigwe Trailblazer Award is named in honor of the late Herbert Wigwe, a man whose legacy continues to inspire bold leadership, innovation and investment in Africa’s creative economy. The awards will honor filmmakers, producers and creative entrepreneurs who embody the same spirit of excellence and transformation that Wigwe championed throughout his life.
“The Herbert Wigwe Trailblazer Award is more than a tribute; it is a movement,” said Chioma Ude, founder and CEO of AFRIFF.
“Herbert believed deeply in the power of African talent to compete globally. Through this award, we honor that vision by recognizing creative leaders who are breaking barriers, redefining African storytelling and inspiring new generations to dream big.”
The Trailblazer Award will be presented during the prestigious AFRIFF Globe Awards ceremony, which concludes the week-long festival.
Winners will be selected based on their innovation, influence and contribution to Africa’s evolving film and creative industries, especially those breaking new ground in areas such as cross-industry collaboration, international co-productions and content innovation.
Among the names of those who will receive awards are the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, David Oyelowo and Hakeem Muri Okunola who will receive awards.
This year’s AFRIFF will also mark the launch of the AFRIFF Film and Content Market (AFCM), Nigeria’s first and only film and content market.
The AFCM will serve as a business hub connecting filmmakers, distributors and investors, driving AFRIFF’s mission to build a sustainable ecosystem for the creation and monetization of African content.
In addition to screenings, masterclasses and workshops, AFRIFF 2025 will screen more than 100 films from across Africa and the diaspora, showcasing the diversity and creativity that define African cinema today.
The Trailblazer Awards reflect the resilience, vision and excellence that Herbert Wigwe championed,” Ude said.
“It is a reminder that Africa’s creative industries not only tell stories, but also build legacies.”
With its blend of art, commerce and celebration, AFRIFF 2025 promises to be a historic edition – honoring the pioneers who shaped Africa’s cultural renaissance and ensuring Herbert Wigwe’s empowering legacy lives on in every frame, beat and story told.
READ ALSO TOP STORIES OF Newslodge