Nigerian director Paul Lasisi’s short film Òkolà has won the top prize for Best Independent Film at the All African Independent Film Festival (AAIFF Africa) 2026, held in Kigali, Rwanda.The three-day festival, which ran from the 15th to 17th of October at the Centre Culturel Francophone, culminated in an awards ceremony on Saturday, the 17th of October honouring filmmakers whose work demonstrated exceptional creativity, vision and storytelling. A total of 17 awards were presented, including the distinguished titles of Africa’s Best Independent Film 2026 and Africa’s Best Independent Film Director 2026.
This year’s selection brought together 19 films competing across seven categories for 13 awards, reflecting the diversity of independent filmmaking across Africa and beyond. Òkolà, a dramatic short from Nigeria, stood out among the competition to claim the festival’s highest honour.
The festival has grown into a key platform for African independent filmmakers, providing exposure, recognition and networking opportunities. The 2026 edition continued this tradition, showcasing a range of stories and perspectives from across the continent.
The win for Òkolà represents a significant achievement for Nigerian independent cinema, highlighting the country’s growing presence in the African film landscape. The film’s success at an international festival underscores the quality and appeal of Nigerian storytelling beyond Nollywood’s mainstream output.
For Paul Lasisi and the Òkolà team, the award offers validation and a platform to reach wider audiences. The challenge now is to build on this momentum and bring the film to more viewers across Africa and beyond.
Kigali’s hosting of the AAIFF Africa shows Rwanda’s growing role as a hub for African arts and culture. The festival’s focus on independent filmmaking provides an important counterpoint to mainstream cinema, celebrating stories and voices that might otherwise go unheard.
For African independent filmmakers, festivals like AAIFF Africa offer a vital space to connect, compete and grow. The challenge now is to sustain and expand these platforms to support the next generation of African storytelling.
Africa Presents is a Pan-African digital magazine and monthly publication covering politics, business, economy, culture, tech, and the stories shaping Africa and its diaspora. Visit africapresents.com and follow @AfricaPresents for daily coverage and monthly themed magazine editions.
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