Kannywood International Film Festival

Where the Vibrancy of Kano Meets the Power of African Storytelling

Upcoming Film Festival 2025

Save The Date & Book Your Ticket

The Kannywood International Film Festival (KANIFF) represents the bold evolution and official replacement of the former Kannywood Awards. As the exclusive flagship platform for Kannywood’s creative industry, KANIFF unites film, television, music, and cultural heritage under a globally recognized, world-class celebration. KANIFF is proudly held in Kano, Nigeria—the ancient, historic, and culturally rich city known as the capital of the Hausa people, and the undisputed production and distribution hub of the Kannywood film industry. With centuries of history in commerce, entertainment, and artistic excellence, Kano provides the perfect backdrop for this international gathering of creatives. The festival brings together filmmakers, musicians, cultural influencers, and audiences from across Africa, the African Diaspora, and beyond, promoting indigenous storytelling, African identity, and global collaboration.

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Special Focus for 2025 KANIFF

In addition to feature films, documentaries, short films, and music showcases, KANIFF 2025 introduces a special spotlight on Kannywood TV Drama Series, with episodes ranging between 25 to 60 minutes in length.

Selected Films & Program Highlights

🎬 Indigenous & International Film Screenings (Feature, Short, Documentary)
📺 Kannywood TV Drama Series Showcase (25–60 minutes per episode)
🎶 Live Music Performances & Album Launches
🎙️ Industry Masterclasses (Directing, Screenwriting, Music Production)
💡 Co-Production Markets, Industry Pitching Forums
🌍 Cultural Exhibitions, Culinary Experiences, and Heritage Displays
🏆 KANIFF Awards Gala Night – Honoring Excellence in Creativity

Dawayya

Dawayya

Klassique Films

Aisha

Aisha

Klassique Films

Halak

Halak

Klassique Films

Kakanda

Kakanda

Klassique Films

Festival Awards & Prizes

Select awards may include cash prizes, production grants, and distribution opportunities, subject to sponsor participation.

Feature Films

Feature Films

🏆 Best International Feature Film
🏆 Best African Feature Film
🏆 Best Nollywood Feature Film
🏆 Best Kannywood (Hausa-Language) Feature Film

Kannywood TV Dram Series

Kannywood TV Dram Series

🏆 Best Kannywood TV Drama Series

Short Films

Short Films

🏆 Best International Short Film
🏆 Best AfroShorts
🏆 Best Kannywood Short Film

Audience Awards

Audience Awards

🏆 KANIFF Audience Choice Awards across all Feature Films and TV Drama Series selected for the festival.

Craft & technical Awards

Craft & technical Awards

🏆 Best Director
🏆 Best Screenplay
🏆 Best Actor (Male)
🏆 Best Actress (Female)
🏆 Best Supporting Actor
🏆 Best Supporting Actress
🏆 Best Cinematography
🏆 Best Editing
🏆 Best Set Design
🏆 Best Sound Score
🏆 Best Child Actor 🏆 Best Music Video 🏆 Best Hip-Hop Music

Special Recognitions

Special Recognitions

🏆 Lifetime Achievement Award
🏆 Outstanding Contribution to African Cinema
🏆 Cultural Preservation Award

Celebrate Creative Excellence

Celebrate Creative Excellence

Honor outstanding achievements across film, television, and music.

Empower Talent

Empower Talent

Provide global exposure, mentorship, and technical training to emerging creatives.

Festival Objectives & Distribution Opportunities

KANIFF champions the advancement of African cinema by facilitating distribution partnerships through the Kannywood Film Market, with shortlisted and award-winning projects eligible for consideration by distribution partners

Facilitate Global Connection

Facilitate Global Connection

Build partnerships between Kannywood and international stakeholders.

Promote Cultural Preservation

Promote Cultural Preservation

Showcase African languages, values, and traditions through media.

Expand Market Access

Expand Market Access

Open new avenues for content licensing, distribution, and collaboration.

Submission Guidelines & Terms

2025 KANIFF Schedule

By Sarari Klassique Merchandise Ltd. & Kannywood Entertainment Ltd.

KANIFF officially replaces the Kannywood Awards as the unified platform for celebrating film, television, and music excellence.
Progressive regional expansion across Northern Nigeria and Abuja, deepening talent development, cultural promotion, and market opportunities.

01

Jan 25

Arrival of the Guests– Kano, Nigeria

Kannywood Event Hall. Tudun Yola, Gwale LGA, Kano State

02

Jan 25

Master Classes & Panel Discussion– Kano, Nigeria

Kannywood Event Hall. Tudun Yola, Gwale LGA, Kano State

03

Jan 25

Master Classes & Award Night– Kano, Nigeria

Kannywood Event Hall. Tudun Yola, Gwale LGA, Kano State

Where African Stories Meet Global Opportunity – Rooted in Kano, the Cultural Heart of the Hausa People.

    KANIFF
    KANIFF

    Film Festival

    Join us in celebrating indigenous creativity, building cultural bridges, and amplifying African voices on the global stage.

      KANIFF
      KANIFF

      Invitation

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          Musician

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