Nigerian cinema takes center stage at the TIFF 2025 (Toronto International Film Festival), with four standout titles featured across both public screenings and industry showcases. From debut features to genre-bending experiments, the films highlight the growing ambition and diversity of Nigerian storytelling. This year’s festival will hold between September 4 to 15, 2025.

The inclusion of these films at TIFF 2025 reflects the expanding international presence of Nigerian cinema. From politically charged dramas to fashion-centred narratives and experimental sci-fi, the selections showcase Nollywood’s evolving creativity and its determination to reach global audiences.

My Father’s Shadow 

British-Nigerian director Akinola Davies Jr. takes the journey for My Father’s Shadow to TIFF 20255. This comes days away from its nationwide release in Nigeria on September 19, 2025, distributed by FilmOne.

Set during the politically charged 1993 presidential election, the drama follows two brothers, Remi and Akin, as they reconnect with their estranged father in Lagos. Starring Sope Dirisu as the father, alongside real-life siblings Godwin Chiemerie Egbo and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo, the film also features Uzoamaka Aniunoh and Winifred Efon.

Dust to Dreams 

A collaboration between Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Films and Elba’s production company. Dust to Dreams is set against the pulsating backdrop of Lagos nightlife. The story follows a nightclub owner’s struggle to preserve her empire while her daughter’s estranged father, a soldier, suddenly returns, unearthing long-buried emotions.

The cast includes Nse Ikpe-Etim, Eku Edewor, Atlanta Bridget Johnson, and rising talent Constance Olatunde, with a special appearance by British-Nigerian musician Seal. The film weaves themes of family, ambition, and reconciliation with music as a driving force.

Dust to Dreams is also expected to screen at the London Film Festival in October.

Stitches 

Produced by Nigeria’s BRS Studios and directed by Ghana’s Shirley Frimpong-Manso. The Lagos-set drama follows Boma, a gifted fashion designer from a humble background, whose rise into high society is threatened by love and the weight of her past.

It is a story about ambition, identity and the personal cost of crossing social lines. The film stars Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Regina Askia, Adaobi Dibor and Obinna Okenwa

Bam Bam

Bam Bam is a sci-fi story by Nigerian filmmaker Tolu Itegboje and produced by Oge Obasi. It is scheduled for screening at the TIFF 2025 Industry Market on September 7, 2025.

The film tells the story of Babatunde, an introverted teenager whose closest confidant is a mysterious companion named Bam Bam. As he navigates first love and self-doubt, Babatunde must decide how much trust to place in his enigmatic guide.

Itegboje is known for his Netflix documentary Awon Boyz and features Ambrose Nwoga, Kelechi Udegbe, Victory Eyong, Emmanuel Oluwatunmise and Nimi Adekanmbi.

The Serpent’s Gift

Directed by Kayode Kasum, The Serpent’s Gift, which is currently showing across cinemas nationwide, joins the TIFF train. It’s one of two movies from Nile Entertainment headed to the festival.

The feature tells the story of a woman who loses her husband under mysterious circumstances. But instead of finding solace in grief, she finds herself cornered by accusations and conspiracies. Her late husband’s family suspects foul play and, blinded by entitlement and suspicion, launch an aggressive battle to strip her of everything—including his properties, dignity, and peace.

The star-studded cast includes Stan Nze, Tina Mba, Ihuoma Linda Ejiofor, Beverly Osu, Etim Effiong, Inem King, Uche Chika, Chico Aligwekwe, Tracey George, Florence Sunday, Ric Hassani, David Destiny, Nonso Odogwu, Moyinoluwa Olutayo, Marcela Aipoh, Alexander Ayalogu, and Thelma Chukwunwem.

Mother’s Love

The second movie from Nile Entertainment headed to TIFF is Mother’s Love directed by Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde.

The drama follows the life of Adebisi. The sheltered daughter of a wealthy family finds freedom through the NYSC program and a friendship that challenges her worldview. But as she asserts her independence, her father’s wrath resurfaces—forcing her seemingly docile mother to reveal hidden strength and confront long-buried family secrets.

The cast features Lillian Afegbai, Nosa Rex, Olumide Oworu, Ifeanyi Kalu and Noray Nehita. And is slated to screen on September 6, 2025.