Multiple Nigerian productions have been selected for the inaugural Canada International Mobile Film Festival (CIMFF), set for Oct. 11 at TIFF Lightbox in Reitman Square, Toronto.
The festival will exclusively feature films shot entirely on mobile phones alongside international entries from across the globe.
The festival received 166 submissions and selected 70 across 10 categories, with Nigerian filmmakers earning recognition in multiple sections. In Best Actor, Tonya Tam Azorbo in “Appointed Time” and Sharon Francis in “The Mark” received nominations. Charles Mmaduka’s “The Mark” and Oladipo O Fresh’s “Sabbath” both earned Best Cinematography nods.
In Best Fiction/Drama, Nigerian entries include “Breaking the Silence” by Oluwapelumi James Adio, “The Book Lover’s Love Story” by Uche Eberechukwu and Olamide Sadiq, along with “The Mark” and “Sabbath.” For Best Social Impact Film, “The Cult” by Vivian Obianuju Nwoji, “The Appointed Time” by Winifred Allen Afahaene, and “Breaking the Silence” received nominations.
Best Editing nominees include “Christmas Under the Bridge” by Henry Chukwuka Nwachukwu, “Our Love Is Art” by Boluwatife Ajolore and Cornerstone Ephraim, and “The Mark.” The Best Experimental Film category features “The Iteration” by David Israel, “Our Nation Story” by Samson Bethel, “Tick Time” by Omotilewa Odeyemi, “Copper’s Journey” by Rehwa-Oma Chikere, and “The Appointed Time.”
Nigerian filmmakers also lead the Best Comedy category with “The Constipated” by Jennifer Nkem-Enaenya and “Copper’s Journey,” while “Christmas Under the Bridge” is the sole Nigerian nominee for Best Documentary Film.
Alongside screenings, the festival will host masterclasses, live Q&As, networking sessions, and an awards night, offering training in storytelling, editing, and social media strategy for emerging filmmakers and digital creators.