The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) has officially begun unveiling films selected for its 2026 competition lineup, marking the early stages of one of the world’s most influential film events.
The 76th edition of the Berlinale is scheduled to run from February 12 to February 22, 2026, with the festival once again turning Berlin into a global hub for filmmakers, critics, and cinephiles. As is tradition, the lineup is being revealed in stages, with additional titles expected to be announced in the coming days through live press briefings and official updates.
Initial announcements confirm a strong mix of international auteurs, emerging voices, and high-profile talent, reflecting the Berlinale’s long-standing commitment to artistic diversity and global storytelling.
Several films featuring notable names such as Isabelle Huppert and Ethan Hawke have already been confirmed across various festival sections, while the broader programme includes works spanning drama, genre cinema, and socially driven narratives .
The 2026 edition is also the second Berlinale under artistic director Tricia Tuttle, with expectations that this year’s competition slate will further shape the festival’s evolving creative direction .
While the Berlinale has confirmed that films selected for the Official Competition will contend for top honours including the Golden Bear, the full list of competition titles has not yet been finalized. Festival organisers have stated that announcements are being made incrementally, with live updates planned as selections are locked in .
In addition to the main competition, films have also been announced in other key sections such as Panorama, Generation, and Special Gala, reinforcing the festival’s reputation for showcasing both mainstream and boundary-pushing cinema .
More competition titles, jury details, and premiere information are expected to be revealed before the festival opens in February. Industry observers anticipate that the final lineup will include a balance of world premieres, politically conscious films, and prestige international productions, consistent with Berlinale’s identity as one of the “big three” European film festivals.
This article will be updated as new films are officially confirmed and added to the 2026 Berlinale competition slate.
The Nigerian film industry continues to be one of the most vibrant storytelling ecosystems in the world. Beyond box-office hits and streaming successes, film festivals have become crucial platforms for discovering new voices, celebrating African cinema, and fostering collaborations between filmmakers, investors, and audiences.
As 2025 is coming to an end, Nigeria is set to host a series of prestigious film festivals that bring together filmmakers, producers, critics, and film lovers together. From Abuja to Lagos, Enugu to Benin City, here’s a comprehensive guide to the top film festivals happening across Nigeria from October to December 2025.
Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF)
Dates: October 26–31, 2025
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Founded in 2004, the Abuja International Film Festival is one of Nigeria’s longest-running film festivals. Its goal is to provide a platform for filmmakers from Africa and beyond to showcase their works, exchange ideas, and network with industry players.
The festival screens a broad range of content from documentaries and shorts to feature-length film. It also features panel discussions, masterclasses, film markets, and awards ceremonies, making it a key stop on the African festival circuit.
Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF)
Dates: November 2–8, 2025
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
AFRIFF is arguably Nigeria’s most internationally recognized film festival. Since its inception in 2010, it has grown into a premier destination for African cinema, attracting filmmakers, industry executives, journalists, and cinema lovers from all over the world.
Held annually in Lagos, AFRIFF offers a week-long celebration of film, featuring screenings, industry sessions, pitching platforms, talent development programs, and the AFRIFF Film & Content Market (November 3–6). The festival has played a major role in positioning Nigeria as a creative hub for African storytelling.
Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival (ENIFF)
Dates: November 26–29, 2025
Location: Enugu, Nigeria
ENIFF was created to spotlight filmmakers from Eastern Nigeria while also welcoming entries from across Africa and beyond. Enugu, often regarded as the historic heart of Nollywood, provides a symbolic backdrop for this festival.
The 2025 theme, “Reimagine. Rethink. Reframe,” focuses on pushing creative boundaries and encouraging new cinematic perspectives. ENIFF showcases narrative films, documentaries, animations, and experimental works, accompanied by workshops, panel discussions, and youth-focused training sessions.
Imo Creatives & Film Festival (IMOIFF)
Dates: November 27–29, 2025
Location: Owerri, Imo State
The Imo Creatives & Film Festival (IMOIFF) is a growing event designed to highlight the power of storytelling in Nigeria’s Southeast.
IMOIFF focuses on empowering Nigerian storytellers through training programs, panel conversations, film showcases, and networking sessions. It serves as a bridge for young creatives, connecting them with mentors, funders, and collaborators.
Benin City Film Festival (BCFF)
Dates: November 27–29, 2025
Location: Benin City, Edo State
The Benin City Film Festival has quickly gained a reputation as a home for independent filmmakers. It focuses on films that challenge mainstream narratives and offer fresh, bold perspectives. The festival typically includes international and national screenings, panel talks, student competitions, and cultural showcases.
Benin City, with its rich artistic heritage, provides a vibrant atmosphere for the festival, blending film with local art, history, and tourism.
S16 Film Festival
Dates: December 1–5, 2025
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
The S16 Film Festival is a niche event dedicated to Super 16mm and analogue filmmaking. In an era dominated by digital technology, this festival celebrates the craft, texture, and discipline of analogue film production.
Participants engage in hands-on workshops, screenings of 16mm films, and discussions with veteran cinematographers who champion the art of traditional filmmaking.
African Indigenous Language Film Festival (AILFF)
Dates: December 3–5, 2025
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
The AILFF is a celebration of films made in African indigenous languages, highlighting the diversity and cultural depth of the continent. It was created to challenge the dominance of English and French in African film narratives, and to encourage filmmakers to embrace their mother tongues.
The festival features screenings, language preservation panels, and storytelling workshops, creating a space where language and cinema intersect powerfully.
These festivals not only celebrate creativity but also provide real platforms for training, funding, and collaboration.
Whether you’re a filmmaker looking to showcase your work, a student hoping to learn or eager to explore fresh stories, get ready 2025 is still packed.
