Schlöndorff, Musawa, Gani Adams Shine at inaugural Germany-Nigeria Film Week

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The inaugural Germany-Nigeria Film Week has ended successfully, with renowned German filmmaker Volker Schlöndorff, Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, among the personalities honoured during the 10-day cultural event.

Held from October 1 to 10, 2026, the festival 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 Nigeria and Germany.

The event was designed to strengthen cultural relations between both countries, promote international film collaboration and create opportunities for co-production, distribution and business partnerships between their respective film industries.

A major highlight was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Schlöndorff in recognition of his contributions to international cinema and his longstanding engagement with filmmaking across different cultural settings, including documentary work in Africa.

Musawa also 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 the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini.

Adams was similarly honoured during the festival’s programme in Hannover for his contributions to the promotion and preservation of African culture and heritage.

The awards formed part of the organisers’ efforts to recognise individuals whose work has contributed to cinema, cultural preservation and the growth of the creative economy.

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 involving the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Ali Nuhu, and Husseini, the NFVCB executive director.

Their discussion examined the growth of Nigeria’s film industry, international partnerships and opportunities for collaboration between Nigerian and German filmmakers.

Among the dignitaries at the event were Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Senator Ita Enang, and the Director of Arsenal Film Institute, Stefanie Schulte Strathaus, alongside filmmakers, producers and other creative industry stakeholders from both countries.

The opening programme provided a platform for discussions on the international reach of Nigerian cinema and the potential for deeper cooperation between the two countries’ film industries.

Hannover Showcases Nigerian Productions

Following the Berlin opening, activities moved to Hannover, where SONNENKINDFILM e.V., led by Michael Davies, co-founder of the festival, hosted a press conference attended by delegates, filmmakers and industry representatives.

The programme featured the presentation of a Special Recognition Award to Adams, alongside screenings of Nigerian productions showcasing different aspects of the country’s film culture and storytelling.

Among the films screened was 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 in Hannover.

Adia received an award recognising her creativity and artistic achievement in directing Evi, while Fiberesima was honoured for her contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

The screenings highlighted the diversity of Nigerian filmmaking and provided German audiences with opportunities to engage with the country’s stories, creative talent and cultural perspectives.

Festival Extends to Bremen, Hamburg

The festival subsequently extended to Bremen and Hamburg, broadening its reach across Germany through additional screenings.

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.

The multi-city format enabled the organisers to introduce Nigerian films to audiences beyond Berlin and create further opportunities for cultural engagement and industry networking.

The screenings also reinforced the festival’s objective of expanding the visibility of Nigerian cinema in Europe and encouraging connections between filmmakers, distributors and cultural institutions.

Organisers Target Sustainable Film Partnerships

The Germany-Nigeria Film Week was founded by Mykel Parish Ajaere of Nigeria’s Pan-African Film Development & Advancement Foundation (PAFDAF) and Michael Davies of Germany’s SONNENKINDFILM e.V.

According to the organisers, the initiative was established to provide a sustainable platform for Nigerian and German filmmakers to connect, exchange ideas, develop partnerships and explore commercial opportunities in both markets.

Its objectives include promoting cultural exchange, encouraging international film distribution and co-production, and 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 National Film and Video Censors Board also supported the initiative, strengthening its focus on building sustainable relationships between the Nigerian and German film industries.

The organisers said the festival would continue to expand its programming, industry participation and international partnerships in subsequent editions.

The second Germany-Nigeria Film Week has been scheduled for October 4–9, 2027, with plans to build on the achievements of the inaugural event and deepen cooperation between filmmakers and creative industry stakeholders in both countries.