“Kachifo” Wins Major Awards at Locarno Open Doors Program

Dika Ofoma’s “Kachifo: Till Morning Comes” emerged as one of the biggest winners at the 23rd edition of the Locarno Film Festival’s Open Doors initiative, held from August 7 to 12 in Switzerland. 

The film secured multiple awards alongside Naishe Nyamubaya’s “Black Snake” and Azata Soro’s “Diary of a Goat Woman.”

The reincarnation romance, directed by Ofoma and produced by Bluhouse Studios’ Blessing Uzzi, placed second in competition, winning a CHF 20,000 cash prize. It also received the ARTEKino International Award and the Sørfond Award, which includes participation in the Sørfond pitching event this November, with travel and accommodation provided.

As previously reported by The Nollywood Reporter, the Open Doors program—renowned for its co-production platform and talent development—selected six projects for its 2025 edition. The flagship Open Doors Grant, worth CHF 50,000, was shared between “Black Snake” (CHF 25,000), “Kachifo” (CHF 20,000), and “Diary of a Goat Woman” (CHF 5,000).

Other winners included “The Bilokos” by Erickey Bahati, which received the CNC Development Grant of €8,000. The non-competitive Open Doors Screenings section runs until August 16, with Ema Edosio Deelen’s “When Nigeria Happens” opening the festival.

This international recognition cements Dika Ofoma and Blessing Uzzi’s standing among Nollywood’s leading creative voices.

“Kachifo” does not yet have a release date.