Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) founder Chioma Ude has received international recognition at the Dhofar International Film Festival in Oman, as preparations build towards AFRIFF’s 15th edition in Nigeria this November.
Ude, who is also the founder of the Africa Film and Content Market (AFCM), was honoured with an award recognising her contributions to the global film industry at the recently concluded festival organised by the Oman Film Society.
She also served as Head of Jury for Short Films, joining international film professionals to assess entries showcased at the festival.
Beyond the award, Ude’s visit created an opportunity for conversations around stronger ties between the Nigerian, African and Omani film industries, including cultural exchange, co-productions, professional development and industry partnerships.
The relationship between both film communities has been developing since Ude met Omani film professional and Oman Film Society member Ahmed Othman in 2025. Othman was subsequently invited to Nigeria, where he served as a jury member at AFRIFF and AFCM in November 2025.
Speaking about her experience in Oman, Ude praised the filmmakers whose works were considered by the jury.
“We worked very hard. We watched great films. Some of the films made us laugh so much, some of them made us cry. But all in all, we realised the filmmakers worked even harder than we did.”
During the festival, Ude also connected with Anwar bin Khamis Al Ruzaiqi, Chairman of the Oman Film Society, as well as Egyptian actress, singer and producer Bushra Ahmed Razza, professionally known as Bushra.
The engagements formed part of wider discussions around connecting African filmmakers with international institutions, investors, producers and creative professionals.
NEXT UP: AFRIFF 2026
Attention now turns to Nigeria, where AFRIFF returns for its 15th edition from November 1–7, 2026.
Date: November 1–7, 2026
Event: 15th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF)
Focus: African & international cinema
🤝 Industry Platform: Africa Film and Content Market (AFCM)
The week-long gathering is expected to bring together filmmakers, producers, distributors, investors, industry professionals and film audiences, while AFCM will provide a platform for content acquisition, investment, partnerships and professional exchange.
For Ude, the recognition in Oman adds another international chapter to AFRIFF’s efforts to connect African cinema with the wider global film industry.
November 1–7, 2026 — AFRIFF returns.
