Glamour Meets Creativity at the 14th Annual Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF)
It was an unforgettable night of film, fashion, and celebration as stars and industry icons gathered on November 2nd, 2025, for the 14th Annual Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF). The event once again lived up to its reputation as a shining beacon of African cinema and culture.
The red carpet dazzled with an impressive lineup of celebrities and cultural figures, including the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, alongside Nollywood stars Uche Jombo, Rita Dominic, Ruth Kadiri, Omowunmi Dada, Kunle Remi, Williams Uchemba, and Sunshine Rosman. Also in attendance were Tunde Onakoya, the celebrated chess champion and Guinness World Record holder, and socialite Adenike Adeleke (aka Nikos Living), among many other notable personalities, all gathered to celebrate the beauty and power of African storytelling.
Watch red carpet highlights
More red carpet moments
AFRIFF founder Chioma Ude made a breathtaking entrance on opening night, exuding elegance, grace, and confidence as she welcomed guests to another remarkable edition of the festival.
Watch Chioma Ude’s grand entrance
A major highlight of the evening was the appearance of Hollywood star David Oyelowo and his wife Jessica Oyelowo, who graced the event to receive the prestigious Herbert Wigwe Award for Excellence, honoring outstanding contributions to film and creativity.
Watch David Oyelowo at AFRIFF
During his time at AFRIFF, Oyelowo expressed excitement about upcoming projects in Nigeria, including plans to develop a major adaptation of “Things Fall Apart” with Apple and Idris Elba, set to begin production in 2026.
The event also featured the premiere of the highly anticipated pan-African revenge thriller 3 Cold Dishes, executive produced by Burna Boy and actress Osas Ighodaro. The movie’s director, Asurf Olaniyi, shared insights into the film’s production journey and his experience working with the talented cast. The film is scheduled for general cinematic release across Africa and the UK on November 7, 2025.
In a touching gesture, Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa presented Chioma Ude with a personal artwork in recognition of her remarkable contributions to African film and culture.
Watch the presentation moment
Another standout moment was the presentation of the Herbert Wigwe Award of Excellence to Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima and the Governor of Delta State, recieved on their behalf by the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa and the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday John Onyeme respectively. It was truly a proud acknowledgment of leadership.
AFRIFF 2025 opened not just as a film festival, but as a celebration of art, unity, and the limitless possibilities of African creativity, setting the stage for another inspiring week of cinema, culture, and collaboration.
