IMOIFF 2026: From Owerri to the World – Celebrating Local Films on Global Platforms

The Imo International Film Festival returns November 27–29, 2026 in Owerri with the theme “Local 2 Global.” Sponsored by Julob Entertainment and supported by the British Council’s Film Lab Africa, this edition aims to connect Nigerian storytellers with top streaming services. Founder Izuchukwu Okafor explains that the festival will bridge local filmmakers and international outlets such as Netflix, Prime Video and Apple TV. Awards will span Best Feature, Short, Documentary, Animation, Experimental and Student films, plus technical honours for writing and acting. Eligibility covers works produced in the past two years, judged on narrative depth, technical skill and audience impact. Festival highlights include workshops, masterclasses, red-carpet events, networking cocktails and cultural performances that showcase South East Nigerian heritage. Pre-festival training runs June through August 2026 for emerging talents, with a special focus on young creators and women from the region. Submissions open to filmmakers worldwide via major festival platforms.

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