AFRIFF Founder Chioma Ude Receives Prestigious International Honor at Dhofar Film Festival!
Chioma Ude, founder of AFRIFF and AFCM, was recently honored at the Dhofar International Film Festival in Oman for her global contributions to the film industry. Her visit fostered discussions on cultural exchange and bilateral engagement between Nigeria, Oman, and the African film industry, highlighting the vital role of such international collaborations in strengthening the global film landscape.
Chioma Ude, the distinguished founder of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) and the Africa Film and Content Market (AFCM), recently received a prestigious honour at the Dhofar International Film Festival in Oman. Organized by the Oman Film Society, the award acknowledged Ude's significant global contributions to the burgeoning film industry, marking a pivotal moment for African cinema on an international stage.
During the festival, Ude served as the Head of Jury for Short Films, where she brought her extensive expertise in African cinema, film festivals, film markets, production, and industry development to the forefront. Her participation transcended mere judging, as her visit initiated crucial conversations surrounding AFRIFF, AFCM, cultural exchange, and bilateral engagement between Nigeria, Oman, and the broader African film industry. These discussions were specifically aimed at strengthening relationships among filmmakers, institutions, and industry professionals across these regions.
The collaboration between AFRIFF and the Oman Film Society began the previous year when Ude first met Ahmed Othman, an Omani film professional and a key member of the Oman Film Society. This initial encounter led to Ude extending an invitation to Othman to participate as a jury member at AFRIFF and AFCM in Nigeria in November 2025. Following his visit, Ude was subsequently invited to Oman, paving the way for deeper exploration of collaborative opportunities.
Reflecting on her experience at the festival, Ude remarked,