Nigerian-American interdisciplinary artist and filmmaker Awam Amkpe, along with veteran actor Sam Dede, emerged as top winners as the feature film “The Man Died” swept major categories at the 15th edition of the 2025 Zuma International Film Festival (ZUFF).
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The week-long festival, which opened on Dec. 1 in Abuja, climaxed on Friday night with a colourful awards ceremony celebrating outstanding achievements in African cinema, creativity, and cultural expression.
Announcing the winners, the ZUFF 2025 jury revealed that the festival received a record 3,179 film submissions from across the world. Out of these, 406 films were shortlisted for competition, with 21 categories eventually awarded, reflecting the depth of talent and diversity in global filmmaking.
Amkpe won Best Director for “The Man Died”, a gripping 2024 adaptation of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka’s memoir documenting his 27-month imprisonment during Nigeria’s civil war. The film, starring Wale Ojo as Soyinka, explores resistance, tyranny, and the enduring power of the human spirit through the writer’s internal battles and clandestine writings. The cast also features industry veterans such as Sam Dede and Norbert Young.”
Dede clinched the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in the same film, contributing to its dominance at this year’s festival.
Other major winners include:
Best Actor: Abdulazeem Ibrahim
Best Actress: Ijapari Ben-Hirk for “Finding Nina”
Best Cinematography: “The Man Died”
Best Documentary: “The Cashew Rain” by Alan Schvarsberg (Brazil)
Best Picture: “The Man Died”
In his remarks, Dr Ali Nuhu, Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), praised all stakeholders and participants for contributing to a successful 15th edition. He noted that the demand for film content globally continues to rise, driving the relevance of ZUFF as a platform for showcasing African stories and strengthening the creative economy.
Nuhu added that the festival remains committed to promoting excellence in filmmaking and inspiring new narratives that highlight the power of storytelling.
“As we bring the 2025 Zuma International Film Festival to a close and commence activities towards the 2026 and 16th editions in earnest, I gladly affirm that we shall continue to offer unparalleled national, regional, and global opportunities through shared ideas, experiences, and exchanges.”
”Throughout the five days, Zuma offered meticulously curated programmes, panel sessions and events that left us inspired, educated and entertained.
”From the thought-provoking documentaries to captivating short and feature films, there was indeed something that resonated with everyone, and we will be leaving this venue today with unforgettable thrills and experiences,” he said.
The NFC boss reaffirmed the Film Corporation’s commitment to bettering Nigeria’s film industry for the promotion and growth of film production and cinema activities.
“This year’s theme, ‘Storytelling for Global Influence: Film as a Soft Power and Economic Force’, reminded us of the incredible power of Nigeria’s and indeed Africa’s cultural and creative strength.”
”We intend to sustain the importance of storytelling as a soft power in driving global influence, just as Nigeria’s cinematic excellence continues to exert a positive impact globally.”
”We must support the growth of creative economies, including cultural diplomacy. We have been transported into the world of creative excellence with nothing short of exceptional experiences.”
“From the success so far, we intend to use ZUMA 2026 to sustain conversations, strengthen partnerships, and boost co-production, creating the perfect opportunity to connect, promote, and reward excellence,” he added.
He appreciated members of the jury for their film entries that were impactful with deep storytelling mechanisms and resonated across the global film community.
“I congratulate the award winners from all the categories of the Zuma International Film Festival 2025. May your award continue to inspire you into greater content creation with a positive impact on human existence.”
“Those who did not come top as winners need not despair. Together, we stay positive, still contributing to the business of filmmaking as creative giants. Nigeria, with its vibrant film industry, is a pride for all of us.”
“I deeply appreciate the governments and embassies of the People’s Republic of China, Iran, Spain, Germany, South Africa, and others for sending delegates to participate in ZUFF 2025.
“This indeed is an indication of how best to strengthen our bilateral cultural relations, which we cherish.”
“We deeply appreciate President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) led by Nyesom Wike and Dr Mariyam Mahmoud, and Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy, and Gov. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau.”
Mr Ejike Asiegbu, Chairman of the Jury, said the event witnessed an extraordinary level of cruelty, the partial and mystical success of human beings across the world.
“An overwhelming treatment, an overwhelming precedent in global confidence in the super talk of contenting, authentic storytelling, and cinematic innovation.
“I am delighted to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the NFC boss, who is very capable, dynamic, cheerful, and distinguished, and I also appreciate the seven exceptional jury members, composed of three Nigerians and four international members.
NAN/Oluchi