“Phoenix Fury” Dominates AFRIFF 2024, Ifeoma Chukwuogo Wins Best Director

The 13th African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) culminated in a major win for the Nollywood drama “Phoenix Fury”, which earned the Best Film award along with a N4.5 million cash prize.

Directed by Ifeoma Nkiruka Chukwuogo, the film’s non-linear storytelling and emotional depth captivated festivalgoers, with Chukwuogo also recognized as Best Director, marking a significant milestone for her debut feature.

Chukwuogo expressed her gratitude in a post on X, where she shared how much it meant to be acknowledged by her industry peers and the international jury: “Feels incredible to be honoured by my colleagues and veterans in the industry and such a diverse, accomplished international jury.”

The success of “Phoenix Fury” adds to a strong season for Uzoamaka Aniunoh, one of the film’s lead actors, who recently celebrated a Best Film win at the African Movie Academy Awards for her role in “The Weekend”. Her performance in “Phoenix Fury”, where she joined an ensemble cast including Ama K. Abebrese, Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD), Ijeoma Grace Agu, Adjetey Anang, and Onyinye Odokoro, has drawn widespread acclaim.

Other AFRIFF highlights included “Calladita/The Quiet Maid” from Spain, which won Best International Feature, and Bode Asiyanbi’s “The Man Died”, which took home Best Screenplay.

Uzoamaka Onuoha was awarded Best Female Performance for her role in “Agemo”, and Alexander Karim won Best Male Performance for his role in the Kenyan film “The Dog”.

AFRIFF 2024 featured 160 films, including 60 feature-length entries, affirming the festival’s commitment to celebrating diverse stories across the continent. With Chukwuogo’s breakout success and Phoenix Fury’s win, AFRIFF 2024 has proven once again that African cinema is thriving and continually pushing creative boundaries.