FilmJoint Awards 2026: “Shall We Meet Tonight” Leads With Ten Nods

The organisers of the third edition of the FilmJoint Awards 2026 have unveiled their nominees, with Wapah Ezeigwe’s Shall We Meet Tonight emerging as the most-nominated film.

Out of 19 categories, including the newly added Best AI Film category, the romance drama examining queer love claimed ten nominations in total.

Other films making notable appearances on the nomination list include Isekonu directed by Adeojo ‘Story Priest’ Emmanuel, Ogbanje by Nathaniel Deme, and I Too Crave Death by Uchenna Ugwu. These selections reflect the growing diversity and innovation in Nigeria’s short film scene, from socially conscious dramas to explorations of identity and folklore.

During the press briefing on Friday, October 3, FilmJoint founder Gbenga Adeoti outlined plans to strengthen the short film ecosystem through strategic partnerships. “We want to demystify the market for short films. For us, film is film,” he said, highlighting initiatives such as funding opportunities, mentorship programs, and studio collaborations to support filmmakers.

This year, the FilmJoint Awards received over 70 submissions, 68 of which were shortlisted by a jury comprising African film industry experts like Tolu Ajayi, Chris Odeh, and Drikus Volschenk. Ultimately, 46 films made the nomination list.

Dawn Ntekim-Rex, Programs Director, noted the Awards aim to create opportunities for both emerging and established filmmakers. “We want to provide space for short films to stand on their own while also serving as a stepping stone to feature-length projects,” he said. Project manager Sonia John echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the platform’s commitment to supporting filmmakers in multiple capacities.

Some of the notable nominees include:

Best Director

• Wapah Ezeigwe – Shall We Meet Tonight
• Adeojo ‘Story Priest’ Emmanuel – Isekonu
• Nathaniel Deme – Ogbanje
• Uchenna Ugwu – I Too Crave Death
• Fayomi Temitope Samson – Anfani Ikeyin (Chance Medley)
• Joy Nmezi – Slot
• Kolade Mann – Ovisa

Best Picture

• Thomas Negovan, Danielle Montana – Aurora
• Bisi Alimi, Lanre Njoku – Shall We Meet Tonight
• Ivy Kiru – Inheritance
• Mel Rouge – Toll Free
• Stan Nze, Blessing Obasi Nze – Unbound
• Somto Ihezue, Bella Nadia Bemigho, Emmy Williams and Oreoluwa Obadofin – On Our Skin
• Eugene Koshin – Chop Chop!

Best AI Film

• David Mgbeahuru – Godzilla in Lagos (Nigeria)
• Promise Awoji – Courage (Nigeria)
• Gurkan Atakan – The Root (Turkiye)
• Jimena Aguilar – Finnish And Paranoid Dream (Argentina)
• Stephen Shenboyejo – Dead Drop (Nigeria)

Best Student Film

• Yinka Ikubuwaje – Omo Eko (Nigeria)
• Olabode Isreal Ibukunoluwa, Oghenekevwe Okporuwa – The Samaritan (Nigeria)
• Ivande Miracle Ikyegh – Photoshoot (Nigeria)
• Kevin Mukama – Please Wait (Uganda)
• Christopher Leisewitz, Obakeng Malete – Isithunzi (South African)
• Refilwe Thaka – Switched Perception

Check out the full list of nominees here.