The Ibadan International Film Festival (IIFF) organisers have announced the official selections for its third edition, which will take place this September. With over 3,000 submissions from more than 150 countries, the organisers say the 2024 IIFF promises to be an extraordinary celebration of global cinematic talent, strongly emphasising Nigerian and African storytelling. This year, Jagun Jagun (The Warrior), a powerful Nigerian feature, leads the nominations with seven nods.

It is followed closely by the Iranian film ‘Pregnant’, with five nominations, and ‘Golden Blood’ from Iran, with four. These nominations, ranging from Nigerian features to Iranian films, reflect the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices and narratives from across the globe, promising a rich and varied cinematic experience for the audience. Usman Blackky Ogunlade, a renowned filmmaker and the Convener of IIFF, expressed his excitement about the calibre of films selected this year.

“The diversity and depth of the films we’ve selected are truly remarkable. Each submission underwent a rigorous screening process, and the final selections are a testament to the global talent in the film industry. We’re particularly proud to see Nigerian films like Jagun Jagun leading the nominations, as it highlights the strength and potential of African cinema on the world stage.

” Festival Director Babatunde Ojobaro, a well-known comedian, actor, and theatre practitioner, spoke on the significa.