Filmjoint Awards 2026 Introduces AI Film Category as ‘Shall We Meet Tonight’ Tops Nominations

The Filmjoint Awards, a leading platform for short films around the world, has introduced a new category called the NAIFF Award for Best AI Film as part of its 2026 edition, recognising the rise of artificial intelligence in creative storytelling.

The new category, created in collaboration with the newly launched Naija AI Film Festival, marks a significant step toward embracing technology and innovation.

Announcing the nominations for the 2026 edition, the Filmjoint Awards revealed that 72 films were submitted for consideration, with 68 making the shortlist across various categories. Leading this year’s nominations is Wapah Ezeigwe’s Shall We Meet Tonight with ten nods, followed by Myde Glover’s Isekonu with nine.

The Filmjoint Awards, which spotlight excellence in short filmmaking, have become a beacon for emerging and independent filmmakers across the continent and the world.

Last year’s standout project, Ekun Iyawo: A Tale of a Runaway Bride by Moses Ipadeola, was among the top winners, taking home four awards, including Best African Film. This year’s edition, however, promises to be even more forward-looking, reflecting the industry’s gradual shift toward technology and innovation.

As in previous editions, the 2026 awards will feature both voting and non-voting categories. Public voting is already open and will run until November 6, 2025, while the grand awards ceremony will take place in February 2026.

With Shall We Meet Tonight leading the pack and a new AI category setting the stage for innovation, the 2026 Filmjoint Awards promises to be one of the most exciting editions yet.

Below are the 2026 nominees for The Filmjoint Awards:

Best International Film (non-voting)

Thomas Negovan – Aurora (United States)

Levgen Koshyn – Chop Chop! (United Kingdom)

Adi Alfa – Bleached Out (United Kingdom)

Stacey Darkwaah Duah – The Wilderness (United Kingdom)

Trevor Hardy – Buckshot (United Kingdom)

Best African Film (non-voting)

Barbara Minishi – Inheritance (Kenya)

Wapah Ezeigwe – Shall We Meet Tonight (Nigeria)

Myde Glover, Morenikeji Uka – Irin Ajo (The Journey) (Nigeria)

Myde Glover – Isekonu (Nigeria)

Maurice Muendo – The Date (Kenya)

Abisola Ajayi – Ogbanje (Nigeria)

Best Indigenous Film (non-voting) 

Wapah Ezeigwe – Shall We Meet Tonight

Adejo’ Story Priest’ Emmanuel – Isekonu

Nathaniel Deme – Ogbanje

Uchenna Ugwu – I Too Crave Death

Fayomi Temitope Samson – Anfani Ikeyin (Chance Medley)

Joy Nmezi – Slot

Kolade Mann – Ovisa

Best Picture (non-voting)

Thomas Negovan, Danielle Montana – Aurora

Bisi Alimi, Lanre Njoku – Shall We Meet Tonight

Ivy Kiru – Inheritance

Mel Rouge – Toll Free

Stan Nze, Blessing Obasi-Nze – Unbound

Somto Ihezue, Bella Nadia Bemighi, Emmy Williams & Oreoluwa Obadofin – On Our Skin

Eugene Koshin – Chop Chop

Best Director

Wapah Ezeigwe – Shall We Meet Tonight

Joy Nmezi – Slot

James Amuta, Mel Rouge – Toll Free

Abiodun Udom, Adejo’ Story Priest’ Emmanuel – On Our Skin

Peter Inyang – Unbound

Kolade Mann – Ovisa

Ayomide A. Coker – Two Of Us

Best Cinematography

Ayoola Oladimeji – Shall We Meet Tonight

Ifeme C.S – Slot

Ubong Ofong – Ovisa

Joseph Oladunjoye – Toll Free

Oluwaseun Sodeke – Mara

Tosin Igho – Unbound

Oyedokun’ Davoy’ David – Two Of Us

Best Production Design

Wapah Ezeigwe – Shall We Meet Tonight

Lancy Artistry – Isekonu

Babatunde Oluwashogo – Ovisa

Nneka Jane Mekwunye – On Our Skin

Tega Obahor – Nightmare

Stanley Okeke, Mayowa Damilare – Slot

Oluwatomiwa Otun – Mara

Best Sound Overall

McPherson Aghah – Shall We Meet Tonight

Idono Onyemunosa-Ibeeabuchi – Slot

Elias Gbadebo – On Our Skin

Kolade Mann – Ovisa

Davison Onyemali – The Cry

Adams Ilia Smith, Joseph Bankole – Unbound

Elias Gbadebo – Ebiren Re

Best Actor In A Leading Role

Moshood Fattah – Slot

Seun Ajayi – Mofe

Korede Lawal – On Our Skin

Anthony Nwahiri – Song Of Solomon

Cheyi Okoaye – Cause, Effect & Maybe Consequence

Nwankwo Kingsley Obi – To The He Who Wants Nothing More

Josiah Chuks Adigwe – Beneath The Surface

Best Actress In A Leading Role 

Goodness Emmanuel – Shall We Meet Tonight

Adunolaoluwa Osilowo – Isekonu

Jessica Gabriel’s Ujah – Echoes

Chinaza Ezeani – The Cry

Chinelo Ejianwu – Unbound

Hauwa ‘Nananikeji’ Issa – Inside Of Me

Diekola Blessing – Two Of Us

Best Screenplay (Original Or Adapted) (Non-Voting) 

Myde Glover – Irin Ajo

Adejo’ Story Priest’ Emmanuel – Isekonu

Uchenna Ugwu – I Too Crave Death

Wisdom Deji-Folutile – Able Leader

Ufouma Bakporhe – Two Hearts One Soul

Tobi Hassan – The Cry

Thecla Uzozie – Unbound

Best Costume Design

Olufisayo Sholaja – Isekonu

Latifat Ifunaya Jadesimi – On Our Skin

Ohlanna Bu Zikora – Shall We Meet Tonight

Jadesimi Latifat Ifunanya – Ovisa

Adunjesu Pedro – Toll Free

Precious Araromi – Mara

Olamide Awodire – Echoes

Best Make-Up/Sfx

Maureen Ebhodaghe – On Our Skin

Josephine Olukoju – Àńfàní Ìkẹyìn (Chance Medley)

Deola Soneye – Nightmare

Anuoluwapo Fayenuwo – Two Of Us

Maureen Ebhodaghe – Ebiren Re

Modupe Durojaiye – Song Of Solomon

Omalicha – Isekonu

Best Film Editing

Tobi Hassan – The Cry

Taofik Ahmed, Darlington Odor, Godspower Emmanuel – Mofe

Wisdom Deji-Folutile – Able Leader

Enobong Albert – Song Of Solomon

Oloyede Lch Luthman – To He Who Wants Nothing More

Olamilekan Adedayo – Inside Of Me

Taofik Ahmed, Darlington Odor, Godspower Emmanuel – Ovisa

Best Documentary Film

Shedrack Salami – Beyond Olympic Glory

Annabelle Ayangbade – What I Do Not Know Will Not Kill Me

Celestina Aleobua – Tina, When Will You Marry

Ian Gituku – Toes Down

Damola Adewale, Makinde Oluwaseyifunmi – Henry, Reporting

Shittu Abdulafiz – The Grief

Best Student Film

Yinka Ikubuwaje – Omo Eko (Nigeria)

Olabode Isreal Ibukunoluwa, Oghenekevwe Okporuwa – The Samaritan (Nigeria)

Ivande Miracle Ikyegh – Photoshoot (Nigeria)

Kevin Mukama – Please Wait (Uganda)

Christopher Leisewitz, Obakeng Malete – Isithunzi (South Africa)

Refilwe Thaka – Switched Perception

Jury Award For Outstanding Storytelling (Non-Voting) 

Thomas Negovan – Aurora

Wapah Ezeigwe – Shall We Meet Tonight

Barbara Minishi – Inheritance

Adejo’ Story Priest’ Emmanuel – Isekonu

Peter Inyang – Unbound

Levgen Koshyn – Chop Chop

Filmjoint Award For Voice Of Impact (Non-Voting)

Myde Glover – Isekonu

Joy Nmezi – Slot

Mel Rouge – Toll Free

Wisdom Deji-Folutile – Able Leader

Uchenna Ugwu – I Too Crave Death

Enobong Albert – Song Of Solomon

Stan Nze, Blessing Obasi Nze – Unbound

NAIFF Award For Best AI Film 

David Mgbeahuru – Godzilla In Lagos (Nigeria)

Promise Awoji – Courage (Nigeria)

Gurkan Atakan – The Root (Turkiye)

Jimena Aguilar – Finnish And Paranoid Dream (Argentina)

Stephen Shenboyejo – Dead Drop (Nigeria)

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