For over ten years, the Okada Media association has been breaking down clichés by offering an exceptional platform for contemporary African stories. For this 2026 edition, the Nollywood Week 2026 festival is taking a new step forward by surrounding itself with a major figure on the French-speaking film scene.
Sponsorship under the sign of transmission
The announcement of Thomas Ngijol as patron is no coincidence. A committed actor, comedian and producer, he perfectly embodies this cultural bridge between the continent and its diaspora. For him, accompanying Nollywood Week is a source of pride: he sees it as a “raw creative force” capable of shaking up global standards.
Audiences will be able to catch up with him on the opening evening of May 6, as well as on Saturday May 9 for a special screening of his film “Indomptables“, shot entirely in Cameroon. This time of exchange will allow us to decipher the challenges and riches of filming on the continent.
Eclectic, pan-African programming
While Nigeria remains the beating heart of the event, this 13th edition affirms its commitment to openness. The official selection features twenty works ranging from feature-length fiction and animation films to documentaries and series.
Eight nationalities are represented this year. Beyond Lagos, L’Arlequin’s screens will showcase productions from Ghana, Kenya and Cameroon, not forgetting the views of filmmakers from the diaspora in France and the UK. This diversity contributes to the awarding of the Prix du Public and the Prix du Jury, much-awaited prizes that validate the quality of the productions presented.
Screenings and masterclasses
Nollywood Week is not just about red carpets and screenings. It’s also a place of reflection and business for industry professionals. The program includes exclusive panels and masterclasses led by leading talents, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s second-largest film industry by volume.
The Film Market, organized in partnership with the Nigeria International Film Summit (NIFS), will facilitate strategic meetings. The aim is clear: to encourage collaboration between African producers and European distributors, to ensure better circulation of works on the international market.
Practical information
- Dates : May 6 to 10, 2026
- Venue: Cinéma L’Arlequin, 76 Rue de Rennes, 75006 Paris
- Highlights: Opening on May 6 / “Indomptables” special screening on May 9.
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