In the global cultural conversation, Nollywood needs no introduction. Its prolific output and unique narrative energy, born from the vibrant heart of Nigeria, have already found homes on screens worldwide. But one organization decided that passive discovery wasn’t enough.
Enter the Nollywood Travel Film Festival (NTFF), a dynamic and ambitious project founded in 2017 with a singular, powerful mission: to actively pack the suitcases of Nigerian cinema and hand-deliver its magic to audiences across the globe.
Founded by filmmaker and visionary director Mykel Parish, who continues to oversee its operations, the NTFF launched its inaugural edition in Toronto, Canada, in September 2017. The vision was clear: to create a moving embassy for Nollywood. It wasn’t designed to be a static event, but a festival that could plant the flag of Nigerian creativity in new soils, year after year. It was established to broaden the global visibility of Nigerian cinema, present its films in diverse international cities, and, crucially, encourage collaboration between Nigerian and international filmmakers.
And travel it has. True to its name, the NTFF has curated immersive cultural experiences in a remarkable list of cities: Atlanta, Hamburg, Berlin, Glasgow, Helsinki, Paris, Oslo, Amsterdam, Lima, Italy, and Athens. Each stop is a comprehensive event, reflecting the festival’s commitment to showcasing the industry’s distinct storytelling and cinematic breadth.
The NTFF is renowned for its diverse, weekend-long programming. It’s a holistic experience designed to foster networking, spark collaboration, and celebrate Nigerian culture in all its facets. Events typically include:
Film Screenings: Indoor and outdoor showcases of Nollywood films, from blockbuster features to insightful shorts, championing both established and emerging filmmakers.
Panel Discussions: Insightful conversations on filmmaking, global industry trends, and the cultural impact of Nollywood, often featuring prominent directors, actors, and producers.
Workshops: Educational sessions for aspiring filmmakers to learn about production, distribution, and strategies for navigating the global market.
Awards Ceremonies: A centerpiece of the festival, these ceremonies recognize outstanding films, directors, and actors, celebrating the immense creativity and cultural impact of the industry.
The festival’s roster is a testament to its industry clout, having featured and premiered some of Nollywood’s most significant recent works, including Citation, Kada River, Alter Ego, Isoken, Collision Course, and 10 Days in Sun City.
Beyond the films, the NTFF has become a vital platform for honoring the talent that brings these stories to life. It has celebrated industry legends and anointed new stars. Past award recipients include icons like Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde (Best Actress for Alter Ego in 2017), Richard Mofe-Damijo (Most Outstanding Individual in 2018), and, highlighting its focus on the future, teen actress Uchechi Treasure (Best Teen Actress in 2024).
More than just a series of screenings, the Nollywood Travel Film Festival has solidified its role as a key cultural diplomat. In an era dominated by digital streaming, the NTFF reminds the world of the irreplaceable power of a shared, in-person cinematic experience. It continues to champion filmmakers from Nigeria and the diaspora, proving that a great story, when passionately shared, can truly build bridges.
