The 9th Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF) has officially opened submissions for its 2026 edition, themed “Cultural Renaissance.” Filmmakers from Nigeria and across the globe are invited to submit works for consideration. The festival will take place in Kaduna State, North-West Nigeria, from August 25 to 29, 2026.
Submissions are open in multiple categories including Featured Film, Short Film, Student Film, Animation, Documentary, Experimental, and Indigenous Film. The festival will also award excellence in categories such as Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Animation, Best Cinematography, Best Student Film, Best Featured Film, Best Experimental Film, Outstanding Documentary, Best Indigenous Film, and the KADIFF 2026 Achievers Award.
Founded in 2018 by Audu Israel Kashim, KADIFF is the first international film festival in Northern Nigeria. The five-day event combines film screenings with masterclasses, workshops, seminars, exhibitions, and tourism initiatives aimed at promoting cultural exchange and creative development across the region.
All submitted films must meet acceptable technical standards for public screening. KADIFF reserves the right to disqualify entries that conflict with its objectives, offend national sensitivities, promote racial discrimination, or contradict the values of participating countries.
The festival will be judged by an international jury of filmmakers, scholars, and media professionals. The panel is led by Dr. Charles Okwuowulu (Nigeria) and includes Atul Marewad (India), John Coster (UK), Alison Richards (UK), Princess Faridah Ndausi (Uganda), Dr. Finest Uwaoma (Nigeria), Nasiru Mohammed (Nigeria), Yinka Ogun (Nigeria), and Luliia Pereverzeva (Russia).
Entries for KADIFF 2026 close on April 24. The festival continues to serve as a hub for cinematic dialogue, cultural renewal, and creative collaboration, offering filmmakers a platform to showcase their work to local and international audiences.