The 7th Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF) concluded with an extraordinary award ceremony, spotlighting the remarkable achievements of filmmakers from across Africa. The festival, which drew entries from numerous countries, saw Nigeria, Uganda, and Ghana emerge as the dominant forces, sweeping an impressive array of prestigious awards.
In the fiercely contested categories, Uzodinma Okpechi’s "KAMSI" from Nigeria shone brightly, securing multiple accolades including Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Director, and the coveted Best Feature Film. The film’s success was further bolstered by Wole Ojo's win for Best Lead Actor (Male) for his role as Dozie Namdi, and Edesiri Emmanuel Edwards as Best Supporting Actor (Male) for his portrayal of Alhaji.
Uganda also made a powerful statement at KADIFF, with films like "Maama Wange" by Masadde Isaa Yusuf taking home Best Short Film, and "Mission to Simba" by Denis Junior Dhikusooka winning Best Animation. The nation continued its winning streak with Marvin Ssenyondo’s "Melediction" awarded Best Student/Experimental Film, and Jerry Sesanga's "The Tale of Our Times" earning Best Production Design. Additionally, Uganda claimed victories in Best Costume, Best Special/Visual Effect, and Best Lead Actor (Female) categories, showcasing the country’s depth of talent.
Ghana's contribution was equally notable, with Juliet Ibrahim’s work in "Widow’s Gift" winning Best Make-up. The film industry in Ghana continues to be a vital player in African cinema, contributing to the continent’s growing reputation on the global stage.
The festival also recognized excellence beyond the continent, with Olz McCoy from the United Kingdom winning Best Documentary for "Shaking Hand with the Devil."
KADIFF 2024 highlighted the unparalleled creativity, innovation, and storytelling prowess of African filmmakers, underscoring the region's ability to produce world-class cinematic works that resonate with audiences worldwide.