Africa’s foremost film festival, the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), returned for its 15th edition, held in Lagos from November 1 to 7, 2026, bringing together filmmakers, actors, industry professionals, and cinephiles to celebrate African storytelling. Under the theme “Frames of the Future: Africa’s Creative Intelligence,” the festival has not only screened films but also hosted events celebrating African cinema and the creative minds shaping its future. 

Among the 130 films from this year’s official selections is a rich pool of Nigerian feature and short films exploring different dimensions of cultural nuances and identity, history, relationships, and the future of cinema. Some of these Nigerian films include prominently recognised films at international festivals, noteworthy directorial debuts, returning filmmakers, and short films from emerging talents.

We curated a watchlist of Nigerian productions screening at the festival. From family dramas and historical retellings to nostalgic explorations of classic Nollywood, here are the Nollywood films to add to your AFRIFF 2026 watchlist.

1. Adanne

Orobosa Ikponmwen’s debut feature film, Adanne explores the expectations placed on women within traditional family structures. Following three generations of Igbo women, the film centres on a teenage girl (Mmesomachi Chilaka) seeking recognition in a society driven by patriarchy and a family that favours male children. Through its exploration of gender expectations, family tensions, and the desire for acceptance, Adanne offers an intimate look at a deeply rooted cultural conversation. Written and produced by Gold Gerry, the film also stars Onyinye Odokoro, Jennifer Umenwa, and Kelvinmary Ndukwe.

2. Bad Blood

Directed by Yemi “Filmboy” Morafa, Bad Blood is marketed with the tagline “a family, a secret, and a trail that won’t wash away”, setting it apart as a high-stakes psychological drama about the fragile ties that bind a family together. Featuring actors including Bolaji Ogunmola, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Okey Uzoeshi, the film brings together a notable cast for an AFRIFF screening. 

3. Ramat

Steve Babaeko’s Ramat revisits one of Nigeria’s defining historical moments: the assassination of General Murtala Ramat Mohammed on February 13, 1976. 

Rather than approaching the event solely through its political significance, the film tells the story through the eyes of a five-year-old boy who witnesses his soldier father break down emotionally. An ordinary day in his life is interrupted by news of the assassination of the military general, and amid the confusion that erupted within the barracks, he witnesses something he never thought possible: his father’s tears. 

Written with Damian Inedu, Steve Baboko’s Ramat stars Samuel Ademola, Durotimi Okutagidi, Lawrence Oghenekevwe and Gbubemi Ejeye.

4. Waiting for My Sister

Directed by Chimereogo Chiagozie Nwoke-Chima, this 16-minute short follows a teenage boy whose attempt to escape a theft leads to an unexpected encounter with a young girl waiting for her older sister. Set between a bustling market and a quiet riverbank, the film gradually blurs the boundaries between memory, guilt, innocence, and reality, building an intriguing story around waiting, absence, the bonds of sibling connection, and the things people struggle to confront.

5. The Circle

Another Nigerian short selected for AFRIFF 2026, The Circle confronts the growing realities of early pregnancy, societal barriers and the denial of education to young girls. It poses the critical question: “Is there room for every girl in school?”

6. Which Way

Jide Okeke’s Which Way is a Lagos-set musical drama centred on Ladi, a mechanic whose unresolved childhood trauma threatens his family life. Featuring Floyd Igbo, Chidinma Nebo, Miriam Kayode, Chimezie Imo, Stan Nze, and Yemi Blaq, the film uses music to explore the complicated relationships between family, pain, and healing. Its musical approach offers an interesting perspective on the familiar territory of Nigerian family dramas.

7. The Spectacular Death of Prisca

Following its groundbreaking historical accomplishment at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Kaelo Iyizoba’s The Spectacular Death of Prisca returns home for AFRIFF. The film is a nostalgic love letter to the melodramatic storytelling and aesthetics of early 2000s Nollywood. Starring Rita Dominic, Genoveva Umeh, Fae Olumide, Shamz Garuba, Kenzy Udosen, among others, the 23-minute short follows a mother who embarks on a brownie-induced dream quest to save her daughter on her wedding day. 

8. Serubawon

When a simple exchange sparks cultural curiosity leading a trails of fear and suspicion. Written and directed by Samuel Adeoye, Serubawon follows a first date that takes an unsettling turn when a woman explains the cultural meaning behind her name, setting off a spiral of paranoia in her date. In no time, his fascination with African spirituality quickly turns into a dangerous misunderstanding, that steers from their ordinary romantic encounter. 

9. One Woman One Bra

Directed by Vincho Nchogu, One Woman One Bra is a Nigerian-Kenyan feature exploring identity, inheritance, and belonging. The story follows Star, a 38-year-old woman whose claim to ancestral land is challenged because her parentage is unknown and she is unmarried. Her search for her estranged mother leads her into a complicated journey that challenges her relationship with her community and her understanding of family. 

10. NollyBabes

Anu Bamidele’s NollyBabes is another Nigerian short making its way into this year’s AFRIFF selection. Its title evokes the personalities, glamour, and star culture associated with Old Nollywood. The film follows an aspiring Nollywood star and her two best friends who hatch a plan to con a sleazy director (Taye Arimoro) after a failed audition into funding a film of their own. Directed by Anu Bamidele, with cinematography by Nora Awolowo, the short stars Uzoamaka Power, Tomi Ojo, Osereme Inegbenebor and Linda Ejiofor.

11. Lady

After travelling the festival circuit all year round, Olive Nwosu’s Lady returned home to open AFRIFF 2026. The film follows a female taxi driver navigating the unpredictable streets and nightlife of Lagos, whose encounter with a group of women leads to an unexpected sisterhood. Through its exploration of female solidarity, urban life, and the complexities of survival, Lady offers a compelling portrait of contemporary Lagos. 

12. A Tray of Locust Beans

Orobosa Ikponmwen’s A Tray of Locust Beans is another Nigerian production to look out for at the festival. The film explores childhood, survival, and resilience, adding another socially grounded story to the collection of Nigerian shorts screening at AFRIFF.

13. Obe (Soup)

Directed by Horla Manuvor, Obe (Soup) explores language, cultural identity, and the pressures of assimilation through the experience of a young girl participating in a poetry competition. By placing cultural expression at the centre of its narrative, the short examines the relationship between language, identity, and belonging.