The city of Kano hosted filmmakers, scholars, and culture enthusiasts from November 6 to 8, 2025, as the Kano Indigenous Languages of Africa Film Market Festival (KILAF ’25) returned for its latest edition.
Dedicated to promoting African stories told in indigenous languages, the three-day festival featured film screenings, art exhibitions, panel discussions, and cultural performances, highlighting the diversity of storytelling across the continent.
This year’s festival was judged by a seven-member jury drawn from filmmaking, academia, and cultural practice. The panel included filmmaker Izu Ojukwu; film scholar and consultant Dr. Charles Nonso Okwuowulu; cinematographer and National Film Institute lecturer Yomi Olugbodi; KILAF Journal editor Ola Ifatimehin; actress and choreographer Ruth Sankey; Emmanuel Calvin Emasealu; and Folakemi Ogungbe of Pan-Atlantic University. Together, the jurors assessed entries from across Africa, selecting works that stood out for craft, storytelling, and cultural relevance.
The festival culminated in an award night held at the Coronation Hall of the Kano State Government House. The ceremony featured poetry, music, and dance performances, including appearances by the National Troupe of Nigeria and Koroso Dance International. Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, attended as Special Guest of Honour.
At the awards, Nigeria’s Kakanda emerged as one of the most recognised films of the night, winning Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Supporting Actress for Ladi Cima. South Africa’s Thandie received awards for Best Production Design, Best Costume, and Best Makeup, while the Rwanda–UK co-production Africa United won Best Sound Production, Best Music Score, and Best Editing.
Kenya’s Denis Zack Matasi won Best Lead Actor (Male) for Bobo. Bolomakote, a Burkina Faso–Italy collaboration won Best Documentary Film, while Morocco’s Aicha took Best Short Film. Lesotho’s Sesotho received Best Student Film, and Egypt’s The Bridge Connection won Best Animation Film.
KILAF ’25 concluded with renewed focus on the role of indigenous-language cinema in preserving culture and expanding African narratives. The festival continues to strengthen Kano’s position as a meeting point for film, language, and cultural exchange on the continent.