The Nollywoodweek Film Festival (NOW) is the leading international festival dedicated to Nigerian cinema outside Africa. The festival returns for its 13th edition in Paris from Wednesday, May 6 to Sunday, May 10, 2026.
Organized by Okada Media and Held annually at Cinema I’Arlequin, the festival stands as a vibrant showcase for the best of Nigerian and African diaspora Cinema, bridging continents and cultures through storytelling.
A highlight of this year’s festival is the expanded Nollykids programme, dedicated to children and families. In partnership with ToonTopia and Smids Animation Studios, NollyKids offers a curated selection of African animated films and interactive activities, aiming to introduce young audiences to the richness of African storytelling
Nollywood Week 2026’s feature film lineup includes six Nigerian films and three Nigerian shorts, headlining the programme, ensuring both local and international audiences can engage with the films.
Below are the selected Nigerian titles at this year’s edition.
Feature Films
Evi
Directed by Uyoyou Adia, this musical Drama follows Evi-Oghene Donalds, a rising Afrobeats star, faces a personal and professional crisis after being dropped by her label. The film explores her journey through fame, loss, and self-discovery.
Ewo
Ekene Som Mekwunye’s 2025 Yoruba-language drama centres on a crisis in the fictional Ogbojọ community after its king dies. The king’s youngest wife, Ewatomi, a Christian convert, absconds with his body to prevent a traditional burial ritual, sparking a crisis that challenges cultural and religious boundaries.
When Nigeria Happens
Ema Edosio Deelen’s When Nigeria Happens tells the story about a group of street dancers trying to hold on to their dreams amid loss and the harsh realities of survival. The film celebrates resilience, friendship, and the transformative power of dance.
Onobiren: A Woman’s Story
Directed by Famous Odion Iraoya and written by Laju Iren. The movie follows Roli’s journey from Warri to Lagos, which becomes a story of survival, identity, and the support systems women build for themselves. The film foregrounds women’s experiences in contemporary Nigeria.
Reel Love
A romantic Comedy by Kayode Kasum, which tells the story of Tomide, a popular relationship influencer, and Rachel, a woman he clashes with in a viral video, agree to a staged relationship for online damage control. As real feelings develop, their public and private lives collide.
Wire Wire
Bolanle Austen-Peters directs this Crime thriller, which follows a young software developer whose life spirals after he is falsely accused of theft. As he fights to clear his name, he must also protect his groundbreaking tech project. Premiered at the 2026 Joburg Film Festival.
Shorts
God’s Wife
A drama by Dika Ofoma Starring Onyinye Odokoro, Uzochukwu Nnadi, and Ego Nworji. God’s Wife follows the story of a widow pressured into a levirate marriage by her late husband’s family, forcing her to navigate the conflict between her Catholic faith and cultural expectations.
Hussaini
The film nominated for Best Short Film at the 2026 AMVCAs is a collaboration of Josh Olaoluwa and Orire Nwani. The Short follows Hussaini, who faces everyday pressures and expectations from his family and community.
In Her Shoes
Written and directed by Ella Chikezie. In Her Shoes tells the story of Halima, a 12-year-old autistic girl, who struggles to be understood at home and in school. Her father begins to see her differently, considering giving her a chance to live life on her own terms.
Nollywoodweek Film Festival not only celebrates the achievements of Nollywood but also paves the way for future innovation and collaboration. As Nigerian filmmakers continue to break new ground, Nollywood Week remains a vital platform for showcasing their stories, connecting with audiences, and shaping the future of African and world cinema.
The Nollywoodweek 2026 film festival will be held on 6-10 of May, 2026 at the Cinema L’Arlequin in Paris.
