The stars of Nollywood were recognised for their achievements at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) in Canada last month.

Almajiri, a movie based on the true-life experiences of people from northern Nigeria, bagged 27 nominations and took home awards for Best Picture and Best International Film in Nigeria. Produced by Nollywood actor Ayo Makun, it stars Rahma Saudu, Alexx Ekubo and Diane Russet.

Meanwhile, Child of the Occult, directed by Isaac Oluwole Olaleye, won the Best Diaspora Nollywood Film award; The Takers, directed by Toka McBaror, won Best Drama; Toka Mcbaror’s thriller Underbelly won Best African Film; and What Happened at St James, produced and written by Tosin Akintokun, won Best Feature Nollywood Film.

Nosa Obaseki was named Best Actor in a short drama, for The Hallway, and Emmanuel Igboke won Best Actor in a Short Film, for Crosses. Stella Damasus picked up the Best Actress in a Short Film gong and Akwuna and Mabel Makun won the Female Nollywood Filmmaker award.

Nollywood actor and producer Ayo Makun won the TINFF 2022 Achievement award, while the Child Achievement award was presented to Timileyin Olusoga.

TINFF brings together music artists, filmmakers, film lovers and other stakeholders from around the globe and celebrates diversity and inclusion through film.

tagged in: Almajiri, Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival