The 8th edition of the Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF) has officially concluded, celebrating excellence in African cinema and storytelling. The prestigious event, which has become a hub for filmmakers, actors, and creatives from across the continent, announced winners across multiple categories — including acting, directing, cinematography, animation, and more.
This year’s edition highlighted the incredible diversity and talent emerging from Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, and beyond, with powerful stories, thought-provoking documentaries, and boundary-pushing experimental films.
Highlights from the Main Awards Category
- Best Actor (Male): Kelechi Udegbe for his compelling performance as Dike in Offshoot (Nigeria)
- Best Actor (Female): Maryam Booth for her role as Sakina in Taqdeer (Nigeria)
- Best Supporting Actor (Male): Ado Ahmad Gidan Dabino as Mallam Ilu in Kakanda
- Best Supporting Actor (Female): Farida Adamu as Dela in Kakanda
- Best Director: Steve Ayeny for Offshoot (Nigeria)
- Best Feature Film: Taqdeer (Divine Decree) by Reuben Reng and Abdulrasheed Bello (Nigeria)
- Best Short Film: Half Chocolate Half Vanilla by Nodryn Evanci Kabuye (Uganda)
- Best Student Film: Dinner for Three by Brian Adrine Kabogozza (Uganda)
- Best Animation: Kintu by Denis Dhikusooka (Uganda)
- Best Experimental Film: The Real General by Ayeny T. Steve (Uganda)
- Best Documentary: The Shadow of Pandemic by Ssekandi Jimmy (Uganda)
- Best Cinematography: Healing the Inner Child by Juliet Ibrahim (Ghana/Nigeria)
- Best Editing: Kakanda (Nigeria)
- Best Music Score: Kisum by John Njamah (Nigeria)
- Best Indigenous Film: Mysteries of Love by Ronald Kyomuhendo (Uganda)
- Best Series: Seven Doors by Femi Adebayo, Adebayo Tijani & Tope Adebayo (Nigeria)
Viewers’ Choice Award Winners
The Viewers’ Choice segment gave audiences the power to vote for their favorites, showcasing the popularity and impact of these films with general viewers.
- Best Film: Offshoot by Steve Ayeny (Nigeria)
- Best Actor (Male): Sadiq Ahmad as Junaidu in Kakanda
- Best Actor (Female): Amina A. Shehu as Mariama in Kakanda
- Best Indigenous Language Film: Coloured Marriage by Zaharadeen Kwangila (Nigeria)
- Best Short Film: Bottled Up by Tolulope Damilola (Nigeria)
A Festival of Culture, Creativity, and Connection
The 2025 edition of KADIFF reaffirmed its place as one of Nigeria’s most influential cultural events, spotlighting both established names and emerging talent across Africa. With a growing international presence, the festival continues to nurture diverse voices and celebrate African stories told by Africans, for the world.
As the curtains fall on another remarkable edition, KADIFF continues to be a beacon of creativity and a platform for the next generation of filmmakers.
