Marie Claire: Our Stories Matter

Nigerian films debuting at TIFF’s 50th edition remind us that our stories matter.

The 50th edition of Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is here, and a few Nigerian films are set to make their debut. The festival, which started in 1976, rarely spotlighted Nollywood movies. However, in 2016, Kemi Adetiba’s “The Wedding Party” broke through as the first Nigerian film to make its mark on the global stage. In that same year, TIFF hosted “City to City: Lagos”, which spotlighted seven other Nigerian films. Among them were “76” directed by Izu Ojukwu, “The Arbitration” directed by Niyi Akinmolayan and “Taxi Driver: Oko Ashewo” by Daniel Oriahi.

Nearly a decade later, this year’s inclusion of more Nigerian films at TIFF signals the growing recognition of Nigerian talent on the global stage. Since the recognition of “City to City: Lagos”, Nigerian filmmakers are once again stepping into the spotlight, bringing fresh narratives and key storytelling. Our distinct cultural voice is necessary for one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals. These new selections promise to showcase the evolution of Nigerian cinema. These films play with cinematography, each attempting to be visually stunning. The thematic depth and unique storylines will resonate with both local and international audiences.