In recognition of systemic transformation and infrastructural expansion within Nigeria’s film capital, the 23rd Abuja International Film Festival has presented the Industry Merit Award to Dr. Maureen Tamuno, the Group Managing Director of Abuja Investments Company Limited.
Dr. Tamuno was specifically recognized for her visionary leadership and strategic strides in championing the revitalization of the Abuja Film Village. Through her aggressive drive for land development, state-of-the-art facilities, and collaborations with Nollywood guilds, she has successfully bridged critical gaps between institutional real estate investment and the fast-growing creative economy, positioning Abuja as a premier hub for cultural and cinematic excellence.
Accepting the recognition on behalf of her team, Dr. Maureen Tamuno shared her insights on the economic future of Nigerian cinema:
“I am deeply humbled by this recognition from the Abuja International Film Festival. At Abuja Investments Company Limited, we view the creative industry not just as entertainment, but as a critical economic driver. Our work with the Abuja Film Village is designed to provide the world-class infrastructure that filmmakers need to produce globally competitive content. This award reinforces our commitment to empowering local talent and repositioning Abuja as the ultimate film capital of Africa.”
Festival organizers emphasized that the synergy between public-private investment and filmmaking resources is vital for creating sustainable jobs, attracting foreign direct investment, and scaling Nollywood’s global ascent.
4: YOUTH ANIMATION, DOCUMENTARIES, AND NEW NARRATIVES TAKE CENTER STAGE AT THE CONCLUDING 23RD ABUJA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The future of global cinema was firmly on display last night during the closing ceremony of the 23rd Abuja International Film Festival, as the next generation of filmmakers dominated several critical categories, signaling a massive shift toward alternative formats, animation, and impactful short-form documentaries.
Among the standout winners of the night were Wake the Flies (Germany) and Kitter (United Kingdom), which emerged as joint winners for Outstanding Student Film. The Outstanding Animation award went to Nigeria’s Siri and the Whispering Woods, while South Africa’s Gabe Gabriel and Loren Loubser clinched the Outstanding Narrative Concept for their project, Dread. Reflecting societal consciousness, With Immediate Effect won Outstanding Documentary Full Length, while The Witnesses Bay Who Lived with Violence won for Outstanding Documentary Short Film.
Reviewing the thematic diversity of this year’s festival, Festival Director Temitope Duker stated:
“What excited us most about the 23rd edition was the explosive growth in animation, experimental styles, and student submissions. Content creators are breaking traditional structures. Seeing films like ‘Siri and the Whispering Woods’ or ‘Dread’ win big proves that African cinema is expanding its technical capabilities and storytelling boundaries.”
The ceremony concluded with a call to action from industry regulators and corporate sponsors to continue investing in young creators, animators, and digital storytellers who are rapidly redefining how African stories are consumed globally.
