Abuja International Film Festival (23)

Festival start: 27 October 2026      Festival end: 31 October 2026

The festival offers a contemporary and liberal platform for the filmmakers of the World to exhibit the excellence of the film art form. The aim is mainly to contribute to the understanding and appreciation of cultures of different nations. We hope to present complex human situations of this rapidly changing world in the globalized era. The Festival Committee reserves the right to exclude films which are not in conformity with aims of the Festival, or which could offend the national feelings and susceptibilities of any participating country, or are likely to promote racial discrimination. Films not presenting sufficient technical qualities for good public screening can be refused after checking of the prints by the Print Checking Unit of the Film Festival Office. Date and Place: OCTOBER/NOVEMBER ANNUALLY IN ABUJA

The AWARDS shall be in form of PLAQUES, CERTIFICATES OR Trophies

Audience Special Jury Award [non cash] : The audience will decide the winner in this category

23rd Abuja International Film Festival – Rules & Terms


1. General Eligibility

1.1. The 23rd Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF) is open to filmmakers from all countries.

1.2. Films submitted must have been completed between January 1, 2024 and September 2026.

1.3. All genres are accepted: Feature, Short, Documentary, Animation, Experimental, Student Films, TV/Online Content, and Music Videos.

1.4. Films previously submitted to earlier editions of AIFF are not eligible unless significantly re-edited.


2. Submission Guidelines

2.1. All submissions must be made online via the official entry portal (link to be provided).

2.2. Only secure online screeners (Vimeo/YouTube links or uploaded files) are accepted.

2.3. Filmmakers may submit multiple works; however, each entry must be submitted separately.

2.4. Submissions must include:
Film title, runtime, country of production

Synopsis (max 250 words)

Director’s biography and photo

2–5 high-resolution stills

Poster


3. Film Categories

AIFF awards and screens films in the following categories:

Feature Film (International)
Feature Film (Nigerian)
Short Film (International
Short Film (Nigerian)
Documentary Film
Animation Film
Student Film
Experimental Film
Music Score
Cinematography
Audience Choice
Golden Jury
Special Mention
Outstanding Actor
Outstanding Actress


4. Technical Requirements

4.1. Final exhibition copies must be in HD 1080p or higher, preferably 4K.

4.2. Accepted formats: .mp4, .mov, .mkv.

4.3. Films in languages other than English must have English subtitles.

4.4. Poor audio or video quality may result in disqualification.


5. Deadlines & Fees

5.1. Early Deadline: July 3rd, 2026

5.2. Regular Deadline: August 15, 2026

5.3. Late Deadline: September 18, 2026

5.4. Submission fees are non-refundable.


6. Selection & Notification

6.1. Selected films will be notified via email by September 20th 2025.

6.2. Final selection is at the sole discretion of the AIFF Programming Committee.

6.3. AIFF is not obligated to provide individual
feedback on films not selected.


7. Screening Rights & Permissions

7.1. By submitting, the filmmaker grants AIFF the non-exclusive rights to screen the film at the festival and related events.

7.2. AIFF may use excerpts, trailers, stills, and posters for promotional purposes.

7.3. The entrant must own all rights to music, footage, images, and content used. Any copyright dispute is the responsibility of the filmmaker.


8. Awards & Jury

8.1. Awards are determined by an independent jury appointed by AIFF.

8.2. Jury decisions are final.

8.3. AIFF reserves the right not to award a category if insufficient quality entries are received.

8.4. Awards include trophies, certificates, and partner-sponsored prizes (where applicable).


9. Festival Attendance

9.1. Attendance is encouraged but not mandatory.

9.2. Selected filmmakers attending the festival must confirm their presence ahead of time.

9.3. Travel, accommodation, and visa arrangements are the responsibility of attendees unless otherwise stated.


10. Code of Conduct

10.1. AIFF promotes a safe, inclusive, and creative environment.

10.2. Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior will result in removal from the festival.

10.3. Filmmakers must comply with venue rules, security requirements, and festival protocols.


11. Liability

11.1. AIFF is not responsible for:
Damaged or corrupted files submitted

Loss of materials during transfer

Copyright claims on submitted works
11.2. By submitting, filmmakers agree to indemnify AIFF from any legal claims related to their film.


12. Acceptance of Terms

12.1. Submission to the Abuja International Film Festival constitutes full acceptance of these rules and terms.

12.2. The festival reserves the right to update its rules without prior notice.