Abuja, Nigeria – The Abuja International Film Festival is pleased to announce the nominees for its 20th edition, scheduled to take place from October 30th to November 3rd, 2023.

This year, the festival received an impressive 457 film submissions, out of which 101 were selected as official selections. From these, 39 films have made it to the prestigious nominees’ list.

The festival promises an exciting lineup of screenings, panel discussions, workshops and trainings at various centers across Abuja, including Silverbird Cinemas, the French cultural center, the Chinese cultural center, the Korean cultural center, Abuja Continental Hotel, and several outdoor locations.

These diverse venues create an immersive cinematic experience for both local film enthusiasts and international guests.

In a release personally signed by the Festival officer Operations Fidelia Abah Duker, she said in addition to celebrating outstanding films, the 20th Abuja International Film Festival will honor 30 deserving individuals and organizations for their unwavering support during its two decades of existence.

These honorees have played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the festival, contributing significantly to the development of the Nigerian and international film industries.

We are proud to present the list of nominees for the 20th Abuja International Film Festival:

20TH ABUJA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL NOMINEES

EXPERIMENTAL FILM

1. The Delectable Azeezah Sama – Nigeria

2. Its Just Business – New Zealand

3. 18 – Nigeria

4. Rabbies – Spain

5. The Return of Abel Frances – Nigeria

6. Elamosi – Nigeria •

SHORT FILM – NIGERIA

1. Circle of Poverty – Adeyinka Adetoyi

2. Ngarannam – Homecoming – Joel Kachi Benson

3. Rehab Clinic – Elizabeth Ayodele

4. Moist – Temitope Elijah Olaiya

5. Gbese – Adesola Aduragbemi Oni

6. The Major – Chukwuka Kenechukwu Ndife

7. Bring Me flowers – Prince Daniel

8. Secrets of the Farm – Jato Ehijator

FEATURE FILM – NIGERIA

1. Journey to Matyrdom – John Adayilor Moses

2. The other one – Lilian Amah Aluko

3. Traditions – Maimuna Abaji Yahaya

4. Abè Ni – Victoria Ivie Irabor

5. Dangerous Mission – Claret Onukogu

6. Saving Raymond – Fati Zana Bukar

7. Ivie – Opa Williams

SHORT FILM – FOREIGN

1. On Freedom Movement – UK

2. Suitcase – Iran

3. Set Lam – France

4. Takbir – Spain

5. The Deal – S/Africa

6. Victim 30 – Uganda

7. Dojo – USA

OUTSTANDING ACTOR

1. Ike Ogbonna – Saving Raymond – Nigeria

2. Mona Sodje – Clearly I see You – Nigeria

3. Adam Juma – EOII – Tanzania

4. Jude Orhora – Ivie – Nigeria

5. Wole Ojo – Dangerous Mission – Nigeria

6. Seun Akindele – Abe Ni – Nigeria

7. Kelechi Udegbe – the other one – Nigeria

8. Musa Isufi – The business of Pleasure – Macedonia

• OUTSTANDING ACTRESS

1. Synthia Emade – Silent Storm – Cameroun

2. Sola Sobowale – Double Dekoi – Nigeria

3. Lucy Ameh – The other one – Nigeria

4. Binta Ayo Mogaji – Tradition – Nigeria

5. Bimbo Akintola – Dangerous Mission – Nigeria

6. Yama Dodge – Tibertan Hearts

7. Slagana Vujosevik- The Business of Pleasure – Macedonia

BEST FEATURE (FOREIGN)

1. Triple A – Morocco

2. The Business Pleasure – Macedonia

3. Momo in Dubai – India

4. Loteria – USA

5. Silent Storm – Cameroun

6. Oasis of Frozen Water – Morocco

7. Tibetan Hearts – USA

8. When the leaves Broke – Cameroun

OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR

1. Mohammed Sebabi – Morocco

2. Teco Benson – Dangerous Mission – Nigeria

3. Eddie Mzale – EONII – Tanzania

4. Ubong Patrick Uduak – Clearly I see you – Nigeria .

5.Enah Johnscort – Silent Storm – Cameroun

6. Tola Balogun – Saving Raymond – Nigeria

7. Momo In Dubai – India

8. Ali Atshani – USA

9. Oasis of Frozen waters – Morocco

OUTSTANDING MUSIC SCORE

1. Tibetan Hearts – USA

2. Yan Uwa – Nigeria

3. Leaked – Nigeria

4. Since I been Out – USA

5. Oasis of Frozen Waters – Morocco

6. Silent Storm – Cameroun

7. Ifediche – Nigeria

OUTSTANDING STUDENT FILM

1. Winter Romance – USA

2. Justice – USA

3. Timini – Nigeria

4. Suitcase – Iran

5. Revisit – Nigeria

6. Leaked – Nigeria

OUTSTANDING ANIMATION FILM

1. Winter Romance – USA

2. No way Out – Uganda

3. Onirese – Nigeria

OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTARY FILM

1. The Story of Freedom Park – Nigeria

2. Robit & the Butterfly – Lithuania

3. Documentary of Ikorodu – Nigeria

4. Discoveries of the Discover – Norway

5. Ichi: Marks in Time – Nigeria

OUSTANDING CINEMATOGRAPHY

1. Tibetan Hearts – USA

2. Momo In Dubai – India

3. Oasis of Frozen Water – Morocco

4. Triple A – Morocco

5. The Business of Pleasure – Macedonia

6. Since I been down – USA

7. Loteria – USA

OUTSTANDING SCREENPLAY

1. Olola Aginju – Tunde Olaoye – Nigeria

2. When the Leaves Broke – Musing D. Tenn – Cameroun

3. Momo in Dubai – Ashif Kakodi -India

4. Saving Raymond – Bright Wonder Obasi – Nigeria

5. Oasis of Frozen Water – Mohammed Raouf – Morocco

6. Tibetan Hearts – Dodger karicha – USA

7. Ivie – Yinka Ogun – Nigeria

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD TO BE ANNOUCED AT THE FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS CEREMONY

GOLDEN JURY AWARD

1. Loteria – USA

2. Oasis of Frozen Water – Morocco

3. Dangerous Mission – Nigeria

4. Momo in Dubai – India

5. When the Leaves Broke – Cameroun

6. The Business of Pleasure – Macedonia

7. Clearly I see you – Nigeria

The Abuja International Film Festival is committed to showcasing exceptional filmmaking talent from Nigeria and around the world.

The festival provides a platform for industry professionals, emerging filmmakers, and film lovers to come together, fostering cultural exchange and celebrating the power of cinema.

Fidelia Duker went on to invite film lovers and stakeholders to take advantage of the festival and join the 20th Abuja International Film Festival as they showcase the best of global cinema and honor individuals who have contributed to the growth of the film industry.