The 15th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) came to a close on Saturday, November 7, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, with several stars in attendance for the AFRIFF Globe Awards.

The event was hosted by Osas Ighodaro and Keturah King and began with the presentation of the Herbert Wigwe Award for Excellence to Joel Chikapa Phiri, Danielle Brooks, and Francis Nebot, while Kene Okwuosa received the Herbert Wigwe Honourable Recipient recognition.

This was followed by a screening of The Rise of the Machine, a short film by ODUMODUBLVCK, directed by TG Omori. The film explores ODUMODUBLVCK as the lead actor, telling a story of love, marriage, death and resurrection. He falls in love, gets married and is eventually killed, only to resurrect as an indestructible machine.

The story serves as a representation of how many times the music industry has tried to pull him down, but he always finds a way to rise again. The film also features music from his previous albums, incorporating his existing catalogue into the storyline.

The screening was followed by a conversation between ODUMODUBLVCK, TG Omori and Keturah King, where they discussed how the project came together and the creative process behind it.

In an interview with Bounce, TG Omori named himself as a filmmaker to look forward to, adding that he has more to showcase.

The event also featured musical performances from Timi Dakolo, D’banji and Qiqi.

Some of the stars in attendance included Rita Dominic, Ini Edo, Kunle Remi, Iyabo Ojo, Shine Rosman, Tope Olowoniyan, O.C. Ukeje, Yaya Dacosta and Olumide Oworu, among others.

For the film categories, Slum Bomber, directed by Maureen Mona Jolly, won Best Feature Film, while The Tropic Sun and His Eyes, by Elisee Junior St. Preux, won Best International Feature Film and Best Screenplay.

The Spectacular Death of Prisca, directed by Kaelo Iyizoba, won Best Short Film, while The Little Soldier, directed by Roxan Karmi, won Best International Short Film.

Sarah Karei also won Best Actress for her performance in One Woman, One Bra, while ‘Miss Jobson’ by Amanda Sans Pantling won Best Documentary Film. Maria Byoma’s Lice N’ Shine won Best Animation Film.

AFRIFF Globe Awards Winners List

Best Feature Film

Slum Bomber – Maureen Mona Jolly

Best International Feature Film

The Tropic Sun and His Eyes – Elisee Junior St. Preux

Best Screenplay

The Tropic Sun and His Eyes – Elisee Junior St. Preux

Best Short Film

The Spectacular Death of Prisca – Kaelo Iyizoba

Best International Short Film

The Little Soldier – Roxan Karmi

Best Documentary Film

Miss Jobson – Amanda Sans Pantling

Best Documentary Short 

Throne of Wood – Sadegh Kazemi

Best Animation Film

Lice N’ Shine – Maria Byoma

Best Actress

Sarah Karei – One Woman, One Bra