The Nollywood feature film Safari has taken top honors at the 2025 Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF), winning the prestigious Best Film Award in a ceremony that brought together some of the brightest talents in African cinema.
Directed by a leading filmmaker, Safari tells a moving story of identity, resilience, and self discovery, following the journey of a young woman navigating the challenges of modern life in a changing Africa. Its striking visuals, compelling performances, and emotional depth earned it widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike.
Festival organizers praised Safari for its originality and craftsmanship, describing it as “a testament to the creative evolution of Nollywood.” The AIFF jury highlighted the film’s strong narrative and technical excellence, noting that it represents a new generation of Nigerian filmmaking that competes confidently on the global stage.
Speaking after the win, the director expressed gratitude to the festival and the production team, saying, “This award is for every Nigerian storyteller who believes in the power of authentic African stories. ‘Safari’ is a love letter to our culture and our people.”
This year’s Abuja International Film Festival, held at the Abuja International Conference Centre, showcased more than 100 films from 30 countries, including entries from Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The event featured screenings, panel discussions, and workshops aimed at promoting collaboration and innovation in African cinema.
Other major winners included a Ghanaian film that won Best Director and a South African documentary awarded Best Documentary. Nigerian actors and filmmakers were also recognized for their outstanding contributions during the festival.
Since its inception in 2004, the Abuja International Film Festival has grown into one of West Africa’s most respected film events, offering a vital platform for emerging and established filmmakers to showcase their work and exchange ideas.
Safari’s success underscores Nollywood’s expanding global influence and the growing recognition of African stories within the international film community. With its latest triumph, the film joins a new wave of Nigerian cinema that continues to captivate audiences both at home and abroad.
source: punchng.com
