Held from September 18 to 20, the Ibadan International Film Festival (IIFF) was created to spotlight the city’s vibrant entertainment scene and position Ibadan as a growing tourism and creative hub.
IIFF 2025 Positions Ibadan as Nollywood’s Emerging Film Hub
Since its founding in 2021, IIFF has been reshaping perceptions of Ibadan’s role in Nollywood. Once considered a quiet city with limited entertainment activity, Ibadan is now gaining recognition as a center for creativity, culture, and emerging film talent.
The festival’s fourth edition, held at The Bunker, combined local and international screenings, industry masterclasses, and an awards night under the theme “Think Local, Shoot Global.” By celebrating stories rooted in Ibadan while promoting cross-cultural exchange, IIFF is steadily carving its place among Nigeria’s leading film festivals.
In an exclusive interview with The Nollywood Reporter, festival founder Usman Ogunlade, popularly known as Blakky, shared the inspiration behind IIFF. He said he wanted to challenge the idea that Ibadan lacks an entertainment pulse. “We have so many creatives thriving here. People think the city is dull, but one visit changes that,” he explained. He noted Ibadan’s history as the site of Africa’s first television station, adding, “This is the cradle of entertainment. We want filmmakers to know they can shoot here.”
The festival spotlighted films tied closely to Ibadan. James Abinibi’s Miss PJ, starring Bimbo Ademoye as a youth corper whose service year takes a mysterious turn, earned her Best Supporting Actress. Emmanuel “Story Priest” Adejo’s Isekonu (To Speak of Silence) won Best Actress for Adun Osilowo, who delivered a moving performance in a story that explores African traditional religion. Adejo described the award as a validation of the film’s vision and praised Osilowo’s “breathtaking realism.”
Beyond screenings, IIFF hosted workshops and mentorship sessions aimed at empowering Ibadan-based filmmakers. “It’s not just about the festival,” Blakky emphasized. “It’s about restoring Ibadan’s legacy and building a tourism economy around its creative industries.”
Despite ongoing challenges with funding, Blakky is committed to sustaining the festival. “It’s been hectic, but we’re not stopping,” he affirmed. The festival has already drawn participants from across Nigeria and beyond, with ambitions to stand alongside global events such as Cannes, Venice, Toronto, Sundance, and AFRIFF.
This year’s edition welcomed filmmakers including James Abinibi, Elvin Ibru, Jemila Musa, Mary Anne, David Walter, and Yemi “Filmboy” Morafa. Discussions centered on making films that appeal globally while navigating streaming challenges and sustaining artistic integrity.
Special screenings added variety to the lineup, such as Mr. Fuji Barry Wonder by Saheed Aderinto. Other winners included Mofe by Ashimedua Odiachi (Best Student Film), Telephone by Fimisinuola Adejonwo (Best Short Film), and The Weekend, which won Best Child Actor and Best Cinematography.
As IIFF continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to celebrate Ibadan’s creative spirit, empower local filmmakers, and position the city as a global destination for cinema and culture.