In 2013, two film curators noticed something that didn’t make sense: the second largest film industry in the world had no real presence in Paris the city where cinema itself was born.
So they built one.
Thirteen years later, the NollywoodWeek Film Festival remains one of the most influential platforms for Nigerian and African diaspora cinema outside the continent.
The NollywoodWeek Film Festival (NOW) widely regarded as the reference festival for Nigerian cinema outside the continent has officially announced its 2026 edition, set to take place May 6–10, 2026 in Paris, France.
Celebrating nearly 13 years of championing Nollywood and African diaspora storytelling, the festival continues to serve as one of the most influential global platforms for African film.
Why NollywoodWeek Exists: A Gap That Needed Filling
The festival was launched in 2013 in Paris by film enthusiasts and curators Nadira Shakur and Serge Noukoue.
They noticed something surprising.
Despite Nollywood being the second largest film industry in the world, Nigerian films were almost impossible to find in France.
Even more surprising? Paris, the epicenter of global cinema had no festival dedicated to Nollywood.
Three realities shaped their decision:
- Nollywood films were inaccessible in France
- Paris is a global cultural hub full of curious audiences
- Francophone and Anglophone African creatives rarely intersected
NollywoodWeek was created to bridge these gaps.
Since 2013, the festival has consistently brought Nigerian cinema to Paris, building cultural bridges between French-speaking and English-speaking Africa while spotlighting African diaspora stories.
Paris: The Perfect Home for African Cinema
For over a decade, NollywoodWeek has called Paris home.
The festival takes place annually at Cinéma l’Arlequin, located just steps from where the Lumière brothers screened the first paid public film in history.
Nestled between the Latin Quarter and Montparnasse and within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower and Luxembourg Gardens the venue places African cinema at the very heart of global film heritage.
Paris is a city where art, ideas, and industry converge. NollywoodWeek’s presence there is both symbolic and strategic.
Film Submissions Are Now Open
Calling all filmmakers across Africa and the diaspora, this is your moment.
Film submissions are officially open for the 2026 edition of NollywoodWeek Film Festival.
The festival showcases:
- Feature films
- Short films (under 30 minutes)
- TV series
- Animations
All entries must be broadcast-ready with clear sound and high-definition visuals.
Eligibility Requirements
Films must:
- Be written, directed, and/or acted by a person of African ancestry
- Be of high production quality
- Notify organizers if already available (or soon to be available) on Netflix, Amazon, or other platforms
- If in post-production, guarantee completion at least 2 months before the festival
Each submission must be entered separately via FilmFreeway.
Awards & Global Recognition
Feature films in the official selection compete for the Audience Choice Award (Prix du Public).
Immediately after screenings, audiences rate each film. The winner announced during the Closing Ceremony receives:
- The prestigious NollywoodWeek Trophy
- A range of top-tier Angénieux lenses on loan, free of charge, to shoot their next film
Past Audience Award winners include acclaimed films such as:
- King of Boys
- The Wedding Party
- 76
- Isoken
- The Meeting
- Phone Swap
- For Amina
NollywoodWeek has helped launch global careers and 2026 could be your breakthrough moment.
Be a Volunteer: Power the Festival from Within
NollywoodWeek volunteers are the heartbeat of the festival.
From welcoming filmmakers to supporting screenings, red carpet moments, and production logistics, volunteers play a key role in delivering one of the most influential African film festivals outside the continent.
Application Deadline: February 14, 2026
Festival Dates: May 6–10, 2026
Who They’re Looking For
- Energetic and reliable individuals
- Strong communicators and team players
- Passion for film, culture, and live events
- Available during festival dates
Note: Volunteers arrange their own meals, transport, and accommodation.
Volunteer Roles Include:
- Guest & Filmmaker Hospitality
- Event & Venue Support
- Red Carpet & Special Events
- Communications & Social Media
- Logistics & Production Assistance
What You Stand to Gain
- Real-world international festival experience
- Access to selected screenings
- Industry networking and exposure
- Official volunteer certificate
- Priority consideration for future editions
Selected volunteers are contacted by email. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply here.
Why NollywoodWeek Matters Now
In an era where African cinema is gaining global traction, NollywoodWeek continues to:
- Bridge Francophone and Anglophone Africa
- Connect diaspora filmmakers with global audiences
- Provide direct access to African stars, creators, and industry leaders
- Create space for workshops, Q&As, conferences, food, music, and cultural exchange
This is more than a screening event. It’s a cultural movement. It’s a global meeting point.
It’s a celebration of Nigerian and African diaspora storytelling on one of the world’s most respected cinematic stages.
For nearly 13 years, NollywoodWeek has proven that African cinema belongs on the world stage not as an afterthought, but as a driving force.
Now, the next chapter begins.
Whether you’re a filmmaker ready to showcase your work, a film enthusiast eager to serve behind the scenes, or an industry professional looking to connect, this is your moment to be part of something bigger.
Submit your film.
Join the volunteer team.
Experience African cinema in Paris.
Visit the official website to learn more, explore full submission guidelines, and apply to volunteer through the link provided.