Nigeria’s “Dear Ajayi” Wins Two Awards at Venice Days as Nollywood’s Festival Profile Grows
Nigerian filmmaker Damilola Orimogunje’s film “Dear Ajayi” has won two awards at Venice Days, officially known as “Giornate degli Autori”, giving Nigerian cinema another significant moment on the international festival circuit.
Venice Days is an independent parallel section of the Venice Film Festival and is modelled in part on Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight. Recognition for “Dear Ajayi” places the Nigerian production within an international programme that has historically provided space for independent filmmakers from Europe, North America and other regions.
A Major Moment for Nigerian Cinema
The recognition adds to Nigeria’s growing presence at major international film festivals.
For Nollywood, international festival exposure has increasingly become an important part of the industry’s efforts to introduce Nigerian stories and filmmakers to audiences outside the traditional African market.
“Dear Ajayi” represents that trend through its appearance at Venice Days and the awards received during the 2026 festival programme.
The recognition also puts Damilola Orimogunje among Nigerian filmmakers attracting attention beyond the country’s domestic theatrical and streaming markets.
Nollywood’s Domestic Industry Continues to Develop
The Venice recognition comes during a period of activity across Nigeria’s cinema and streaming ecosystem.
Apple TV officially launched in Nigeria this month as part of an expanded iCloud+ bundle starting at ₦1,300 per month, creating another international streaming presence in the Nigerian market.
Meanwhile, the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria has scheduled September 26 as this year’s Nigeria Cinema Day, with cinema tickets priced at ₦3,000 nationwide as part of efforts to encourage more Nigerians to return to theatrical screenings.
International Recognition and Local Audiences
The combination of international festival recognition and domestic cinema initiatives highlights two different sides of Nigeria’s evolving film industry.
While productions such as “Dear Ajayi” are increasing the visibility of Nigerian filmmakers internationally, initiatives such as Nigeria Cinema Day are focused on strengthening the domestic theatrical market.
For Nollywood, both areas remain important as filmmakers seek wider international distribution while also maintaining a strong relationship with audiences at home.
The two Venice Days awards therefore give “Dear Ajayi” a notable place in Nigeria’s 2026 cinema story and add another international achievement to the country’s increasingly visible festival presence.
