GERMANY-NIGERIA FILM WEEK HONOURS VOLKER SCHLÖNDORFF, HANNATU MUSAWA, GANI ADAMS

GERMANY-NIGERIA FILM WEEK HONOURS VOLKER SCHLÖNDORFF, HANNATU MUSAWA, GANI ADAMS 

By Jennifer Nwosu 


The inaugural Germany-Nigeria Film Week has concluded after 10 days of film screenings, industry engagements and cultural exchanges across four German cities, with awards presented to prominent figures in cinema, government and cultural preservation.

Held from October 1 to 10, 2026, the festival brought together filmmakers, government representatives, cultural institutions and creative industry stakeholders from Nigeria and Germany. Its programme spanned Berlin, Hannover, Bremen and Hamburg, with a focus on strengthening professional ties, expanding international distribution opportunities and encouraging film co-productions between the two countries.

The festival opened on October 1 at 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 also featured a discussion between Nigerian Film Corporation Managing Director Ali Nuhu and National Film and Video Censors Board Executive Director Dr. Shaibu Husseini. Their conversation explored the growth of Nigeria’s film industry, international partnerships and opportunities for collaboration between Nigerian and German filmmakers.

Among those attending were Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Senator Ita Enang, and Arsenal Film Institut Director Stefanie Schulte Strathaus, alongside filmmakers, producers and other creative industry representatives.

A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to German filmmaker Volker Schlöndorff for his contributions to international cinema. Schlöndorff, whose career spans several decades, has also made documentaries across Africa, including Nigeria.

The festival also presented a Special Recognition Award to Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria’s minister of arts, culture, tourism and the creative economy, in recognition of her contributions to the development and promotion of the country’s creative sector. Husseini received the award on her behalf.


After the Berlin opening, the festival 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.

During the event, a Special Recognition Award was presented to Chief Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, for his contributions to promoting and preserving African culture and heritage.

The Hannover programme included screenings of Amanyanabo: The Eagle King, produced by veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ibinabo Fiberesima, and Evi, directed by Uyoyou Adia.

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 festival continued in Bremen and Hamburg, extending its reach to audiences in other parts of Germany. Love and New Notes, directed by Kayode Kasum, was screened in both cities, while On Different Grounds, directed by Mildred Okwo, featured in the Bremen programme.

The screenings provided opportunities to showcase Nigerian productions to European audiences while creating a platform for discussions about the country's film industry, storytelling traditions and creative talent.

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.

The organisers established the festival to create a sustained platform for filmmakers in both countries to exchange ideas, develop professional relationships, explore co-production arrangements and identify business opportunities across their respective film industries.

Beyond screenings, the initiative seeks to improve access to international distribution channels and introduce Nigerian cinema to wider European audiences.

The inaugural edition 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 its objective of building stronger institutional and commercial relationships between the two film industries.

Organisers have scheduled the second edition for October 4–9, 2027, with plans to broaden its programme, increase industry participation and develop further international partnerships.

The inaugural festival's conclusion marks an early step in an initiative seeking to turn cultural exchange into lasting professional relationships, with Nigerian filmmakers gaining greater exposure in Germany and opportunities for collaboration extending beyond the festival itself.

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