7 Nigerian Films That Made It to a Major International Festival in 2026

Nigerian films have become internationally known and revered, and more have premiered at international film festivals this year. From romance to drama, thrillers, and comedy, the selection has been diverse.

In this article, we spotlight all the films that have made it to major international film festivals this year. 

1. Lady 

Lady was directed by Olive Nwosu and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in the 2026 World Cinematic Dramatic Competition. It won the Special Jury Award for Acting Ensemble and was also selected for the First Feature Competition at the 69th BFI London Film Festival.

The film follows a determined taxi driver in Lagos who forms an unexpected bond with a group of free-spirited women, leading her into a world of friendship and discovery. The cast features Jessica Gabriel, Bucci Franklin, Amanda Oruh, Tinuade Jemiseye, and Seun Kuti.

2. Crocodile 

Co-directed by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Pietra Brettkelly and The Critics, it premiered in the Forum section at the Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival) in February 2026, then screened at the Tribeca Festival in June 2026. 

“Crocodile” follows a pioneering group of young Nigerian filmmakers from Kaduna who create DIY sci-fi films using smartphones and hand-sewn green screens. The cast includes Raymond J. Yusuff, Godwin Josiah, Victor Josiah, Richard Yusuff, Rachael Yusuff, and Rejoice Josiah.

3. The Spectacular Death of Prisca

“The Spectacular Death of Prisca” was created by Kaelo Iyizoba and was selected for screening at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2026. 

On her daughter’s wedding day, an excited mother embarks on a surreal mission to save her from a fever-dream sequence. This film is a tribute to the imaginative energy of the 2000s Nollywood scene, and it features Rita Dominic, Shamz Garuba, Genoveva Umeh, and Kenzy Udosen.

4. The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives 

Directed by Daniel Oriahi, it was featured at international festivals, including a showcase that led to its European premiere, aligned with TIFF and the BFI London Film Festival. 

It follows Baba Segi, a wealthy, uneducated Yoruba patriarch with a polygamous household, as he brings chaos home when he brings home his educated fourth wife, Bolanle. When she learns the other wives’ long-held secret, buried truths begin to surface. The cast includes Odunlade Adekola, Iyabo Ojo, Bimbo Ademoye, Mercy Aigbe, Omowunmi Dada, and Bisola Aiyeola. 

5. Clarissa

Arie and Chuko Esiri directed Clarissa, which began its international festival run in 2025 and continued in 2026 with selections at major events like the BFI London Film Festival. It premiered in the Directors’ Fortnight section of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival on May 16, where it was nominated for the Queer Palm.

This film is the modern-day reimagining of the 1925 novel Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf; it’s set in contemporary Lagos, Nigeria and follows a Lagos society wife preparing for a party while reflecting on her younger years and her decision and journey to marry her husband. The cast members are India Amarteifio, Sophie Okonedo, Ayo Edebiri, David Oyelowo, Toheeb Jimoh, and Joy Sunday.

6. When Nigeria Happens 

Ema Edosio-Deelen directed it, and it was featured in official international showcase lineups, including the Nollywood in Hollywood selection in Los Angeles. 

A dance lead and his dance crew, who believe in defying societal norms, find their lives in chaos when his mother falls ill and puts him in financial ruin. The cast includes Alex Usifo Omiagbo, Jide Kene Achufusi, Seun Ajayi, Imoh Eboh, and Toyin Osinaike.

7. Saint Simeon 

Director Olubunmi Ogunsola directed it, and it premiered on August 28, 2025, at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it competed in the Orizzonti Short Films International Competition and continued its run at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in early 2026. 

“Saint Simeon” is a Nigerian short drama that follows the story of Mathias, a young seminary student in Enugu in 1997 who struggles with the hidden guilt and carnal desires in a repressive religious environment after the controversial death of his roommate. It features Kanayo O. Kanayo, Ego Ihenacho, Victor Obioha, and Emmanuel King.

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