The organisers of the Ibadan International Film Festival (IIFF) have announced the official selections for its third edition, which will take place in September.
With over 3,000 submissions from more than 150 countries, organisers say IIFF 2024 promises to be an extraordinary celebration of global filmmaking talent, with a strong emphasis on Nigerian and African storytelling.
This year, Jagun Jagun (The Warrior), a powerful Nigerian film, leads the nominations with seven nominations. Close behind is Iranian film 'Pregnant' with five nominations and Iran's 'Golden Blood' with four.
These nominations, which range from Nigerian features to Iranian films, reflect the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices and narratives from around the world, promising a rich and varied cinematic experience for audiences.
Usman Blackky Ogunlade, renowned filmmaker and IIFF organizer, expressed his excitement over the caliber of films selected this year.
“The diversity and depth of the films we have selected are truly remarkable. Each of the films submitted underwent a rigorous selection process and the final selections are a testament to the global talent of the film industry. We are particularly proud to see Nigerian films such as Jagun Jagun leading the nominations as it highlights the strength and potential of African cinema on the world stage.”
Festival Director Babatunde Ojobaro, a well-known comedian, actor and theatre artist, spoke on the significance of this year's festival.
Article page with promotion of financial support
“IIFF 2024 is not just about showcasing films; it is about creating a space for dialogue, learning and collaboration. We have an incredible lineup of panel discussions, workshops and networking events that will allow filmmakers and attendees to engage with the industry in meaningful ways. This festival celebrates cinema in all its forms and we are excited to welcome everyone to Ibadan.”
Selection and pre-selection process
IIFF Head of Communications Femi Davies Alagbala also praised the efforts of the Board of Selectors and the Jury, who meticulously reviewed each submission.
“The selection process was intense and rewarding. With over 3,000 films to consider, the dedication of our evaluators and juries was unparalleled. The final list of nominees reflects the best of what was submitted and we can’t wait for audiences to enjoy these films.”
In addition to the competitive categories, this year's IIFF will feature thought-provoking panel discussions, immersive workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
These events are designed to foster collaboration between filmmakers, industry professionals and film enthusiasts, ensuring that the festival is a showcase and hub for creative exchange.
Ibadan International Film Festival
The Ibadan International Film Festival is a premier event dedicated to celebrating the art of cinema in Nigeria and beyond.
It provides a platform for filmmakers from around the world to showcase their work, promoting cultural exchange and elevating African cinema onto the world stage.
The festival is committed to recognizing a broad spectrum of talent, with categories covering various aspects of filmmaking, from feature films to animation and student projects.
READ ALSO: 'Jagun Jagun', 'The Black Book' and other Nigerian films on Netflix's Top 10 lists worldwide
Nominations by category:
Best Feature Film
• Golden blood (Iran)
• Pregnant (Iran)
• Jagun Jagun (The Warrior) (Nigeria)
Best short film
• BLACK HOLE (USA)
• The New Cardinal (USA)
• JUDAS (Nigeria)
Best animation
• 1996 (United States)
• HEADLESS (France)
• GROUNDING (UK)
Best Student Film
• Letting off steam (UK)
• GUGUSSE (Canada)
• The Last Sketch (United States)
Best Nigerian Film
• Ile Ayo (The musical) (Nigeria)
• Jagun Jagun (The Warrior) (Nigeria)
• T'egbon T'aburo (Brothers) (Nigeria)
Best Documentary
• Following the traces of the ephemeral (France)
• On Your Own (Short) (UK)
• The art of giving (United States)
Best editing
• On Your Own (Short) (UK)
• Jagun Jagun (The Warrior) (Nigeria)
• Sada Kalo Prem: Love is Monochromatic (India)
Best Photography
• On Your Own (Short) (UK)
• RETROSPECTIVE (India)
• Pregnant (Iran)
Best Sound Design
• Golden blood (Iran)
• Jagun Jagun (The Warrior) (Nigeria)
• GUGUSSE (Canada)
Best Actor (Nigeria)
• Flipside (Nigeria) – Chimezie Imo
• Jagun Jagun (The Warrior) (Nigeria) – Lateef Adedimeji
• A PLACE CALLED FORWARD (Climate Change) (Nigeria) – Wale Ojo
Best Actress (Nigeria)
• Ile Ayo (The Musical) (Nigeria) – Favor Idubor
• Jagun Jagun (The Warrior) (Nigeria) – Fathia Balogun
• T'egbon T'aburo (Brothers) (Nigeria) – Carol King
Best Actor
• The New Cardinal (United States) – Scott Sophos
• Pregnant (Iran) – The actor who played Afshin
Best Actress
• Last Supper (Kenya) – Marianne Nungo
• 9 nights (Iran) – Maryam Sajjadi
• RETROSPECTIVE (India) – Regina Cassandra
Best Screenplay
• Golden Blood (Iran) – Ebrahim Sheibani
• Pregnant (Iran) – Mohammad Tanabandeh and Vahid Jafari
• T'egbon T'aburo (Brothers) (Nigeria) – Fisayo Ojabodu and Vincho Nchogu
Best Director
• Golden Blood (Iran) – Ebrahim Sheibani
• Pregnant (Iran) – Mostafa Tanabandeh and Mohammad Tanabandeh
• Jagun Jagun (The Warrior) (Nigeria) – Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo
Projects with the most nominations:
1. Jagun Jagun (The Warrior) (Nigeria) – 7 nominations
2. Pregnant (Iran) – 5 nominations
3. Golden Blood (Iran) – 4 nominations
Best Actor
• The New Cardinal (Scott Sophos)
• Pregnant (The actor who played Afshin)
Best Actress
• Last Supper (Marianne Nungo)
• 9 nights (Maryam Sajjadi)
• RETROSPECTIVE (Regina Cassandra)
Best Screenplay
• Golden Blood (Ebrahim Sheibani)
• Pregnant (Mohammad Tanabandeh and Vahid Jafari)
• T'egbon T'aburo (Brothers) (Fisayo Ojabodu and Vincho Nchogu)
Best Director
• Golden Blood (Ebrahim Sheibani)
• Pregnant (Mostafa Tanabandeh and Mohammad Tanabandeh)
• Jagun Jagun (The Warrior) (Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo)
Projects with the most nominations:
1. Jagun Jagun (The Warrior) – 7 nominations
2. Knocked Up – 5 nominations
3. Golden Blood – 4 nominations