Lagos hosted a grand celebration of Nollywood excellence as the Golden Movies Ambassadors of Nigeria (TGMAAN) held its inaugural Lagos Film Festival on 29 August at the KICC Dome, Maryland. The event brought together industry veterans, emerging filmmakers, and government officials, aiming to elevate Lagos as a key hub for African cinema.
“Lagos has immense potential to be Africa’s cinematic heartbeat,” said event sponsor LAPO Microfinance Bank. Attendees engaged in thought-provoking panels featuring Fidelis Duker, founder of the Abuja Film Festival, Anita Edward of Tribe Nation Film Distribution, and Omotayo Queen Inakoju from EbonyLife, discussing Nollywood’s evolving future.
The evening concluded with top honours for celebrated talents. Funke Akindele was awarded Best Box Office Movie, while Femi Adebayo received the Outstanding Movie Prize. Tunde Olaoye took home Best Co-Director for his contributions.
Industry pioneers also earned well-deserved recognition. “Fidelis Duker and Ade Ajiboye, famously known as Big Abass, set the foundation for Nollywood’s growth,” organisers noted as both earned Trailblazer awards. Veteran filmmaker Charles Novia was honoured, along with Pa Kola Olaiya as the Oldest Active Actor. Nike Wellington was recognised for consistent contributions to the sector.
High-profile guests included Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Director General of the National Film and Video Censors Board, alongside respected legislators such as Hon. Solomon Bonu and Hon. Otunba Babatola Faseru. Hon. Laide Bakare represented the Governor of Osun State, underscoring government support for the festival.
