… 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 spotlighting African creativity and innovation, this time through the Herbert Wigwe Trailblazer Award, a highlight of the festival dedicated to celebrating outstanding pioneers shaping the future of African storytelling.

Scheduled to take place from November 2 to 8, the 14th edition of AFRIFF will be themed ‘Rhythms of the Continent: The Afrobeats Film Movement’.

The festival will explore the intersection of music, film, and culture while recognising individuals whose visionary work continues to elevate Africa’s creative industries on the global stage.

The Herbert Wigwe Trailblazer Award is named in honour 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 celebrate 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’s a movement,” said Chioma Ude, founder and executive director of AFRIFF.

“Herbert believed deeply in the power of African talent to compete globally. Through this award, we’re honouring that vision by recognising creative leaders who are breaking barriers, redefining African storytelling, and inspiring new generations to dream bigger.”

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 forging new paths in areas such as cross-industry collaboration, international co-productions, and content innovation.

Among the names of people to be honoured are Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, David Oyelowo and Hakeem Muri Okunola to 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 marketplace.

The AFCM will serve as a business hub connecting filmmakers, distributors, and investors, furthering AFRIFF’s mission to build a sustainable ecosystem for African content creation and monetisation.

Alongside screenings, masterclasses, and workshops, AFRIFF 2025 will screen over 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 stood for,” said Ude.

“It’s a reminder that Africa’s creative industries are not just telling stories, they’re building legacies.”

With its blend of artistry, commerce, and celebration, AFRIFF 2025 promises to be a landmark edition – honouring the trailblazers shaping Africa’s cultural renaissance and ensuring that Herbert Wigwe’s legacy of empowerment lives on through every frame, beat, and story told. (Tribune)