Nollywood icons, emerging filmmakers, and government dignitaries gathered in Lagos as the Golden Movies Ambassadors of Nigeria (TGMAAN) hosted the inaugural Lagos Film Festival.
The event, held on 29 August at the KICC Dome, Maryland, combined red-carpet glamour with thought-provoking industry panels and an award ceremony. Sponsored by LAPO Microfinance Bank, the festival aimed to position Lagos as a leading hub for African cinema.
Panel discussions featured key voices in the industry, including Fidelis Duker, founder of the Abuja Film Festival; Anita Edward of Tribe Nation Film Distribution; and Omotayo Queen Inakoju of EbonyLife, who shared insights on Nollywood’s future.
The night concluded with major award recognitions:
- Best Box Office Movie – Funke Akindele
- Outstanding Movie Prize – Femi Adebayo
- Best Co-Director – Tunde Olaoye
Industry veterans were also honoured. Fidelis Duker and Ade Ajiboye, popularly known as ‘Big Abass,’ received Trailblazer Awards, while Charles Novia was recognised as a Veteran of the industry. Pa Kola Olaiya was celebrated as the Oldest Active Actor, and Nike Wellington was named the Most Consistent Contributor.
Dignitaries in attendance included Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Director General of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB); Hon. Solomon Bonu; Hon. Otunba Babatola Faseru; and Hon. Laide Bakare, who represented the Governor of Osun State, among others.
