Damilola Orimogunje's 1990s drama Dear Ajayi is set to premiere at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, marking the first time a Nigerian film has been selected for the Giornate degli Autori competition. The premiere is scheduled for August 30, 2026, in Venice.
The selection is a landmark moment for Nollywood, placing Nigerian storytelling on one of the world's most prestigious cinematic stages. The film features a stellar cast including Tosin Adeyemi, Bimbo Akintola, William Benson, and Uzoamaka Power.
Why this matters
This historic nod signals growing international recognition for Nigerian cinema, which continues to push creative boundaries. For our readers, it's a point of pride and a sign of more global breakthroughs to come. Interestingly, Uzoamaka Power, one of the film's stars, has previously been featured on Nigerian Brunch for her work on Siraam and owning our bodies, showing the depth of talent in this project.
As the film heads to Venice, it joins a wave of Nigerian achievements on the world stage, from sports to academia, that we've celebrated here. This premiere is not just a win for the cast and crew but for every Nigerian who dreams of seeing our stories shine globally.