The Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has introduced the Nigeria Indigenous Language Film Showcase (NILFS). This new initiative, designed as a film competition, aims to spotlight storytelling in Nigeria’s lesser-known indigenous languages. This is as a result of the increased dominance of Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa language films in Nollywood and a neglect of about 500 other Nigerian languages.

The NILFS 225 is the first of its kind and follows strict guidelines which include: an age limit of 35, films produced in Nigerian indigenous languages outside of Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo, a subtitle in English and a production date between 2023 and 2025. With no specific date or location announcement, the one-day showcase will be held in October.

While NILFS is a powerful cultural gesture, it will not be a one-time event. As the NFVCB Executive Director, Shaibu Husseini announced, plans towards digital streaming platform and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). These efforts aim to ensure that showcased films reach wider audiences across the country.

NILFS is more than a competition—it’s a cultural intervention. It urges filmmakers to value heritage over profit. It invites audiences to celebrate Nigeria’s rich linguistic identity.

The upcoming showcase isn’t the only thing to expect from NFVCB this year. Because in September, the board will release a three-volume catalogue. This will detail all films and videos registered and classified in Nigeria since the inception of the video era (1994 to 2004). This is expected to finally help with the lack of information that the Nigerian film history suffers.