The Ibadan Indie Film Awards (IFA) are gearing up for their second edition in 2023, celebrating the excellence of young independent Nigerian filmmakers both at home and around the world. The IFA, which debuted in 2022, is committed to acknowledging and rewarding the creative talents of emerging filmmakers.
Last year, the prestigious IFA honoured four exceptional filmmakers in four major categories:
- Best Documentary: ‘The Journey to Joy,’ directed by Daniel Itegboje.
- Best Experimental Film: ‘Flesh & Spirit,’ directed by Yinusa A. Korede.
- Best Feature: ‘Fate,’ directed by Moses Ipadeola.
- Best Short Film: ‘Kill The Impostor,’ directed by Adeniyi Joseph Omobulejo.
The IFA 2022 Jury comprised accomplished and award-winning filmmakers, including film director and producer Kayode Kasum, film director Korede Azeez, and cinematographer and director Fadamana Okwong. Their expertise and discerning judgement ensured the recognition of outstanding talent.
Building on the success of the inaugural event, IFA is set to return from November 23 to November 25, 2023, with the theme “Reimagine Film: Celebrating Films of the Renewed Age.”
Moses Ipadeola, the IFA Creative Director, expressed enthusiasm about this year’s jury selection, stating, “We have carefully selected the jury. We have a film director, a film producer/actor, and a film critic/journalist on the jury. We believe the combination of this trio will bring diversity to the selection process for the films curated for this year’s IFA, along with a grounded and trusted sense of judgement based on their experience and wealth of knowledge to help align with the IFA theme this year.”
Here are the members of the 2023 IFA Jury:
Segun Odejimi
With over a decade of experience in journalism, advertising, and marketing, Segun Odejimi is a marketing communications professional. He has served as the Chief Editor of True Nollywood Stories (TNS) and hosted Screenshots, an insightful Nollywood interview talk show. Segun’s strong presence in Nollywood makes him a respected voice and critic. He also writes for renowned brands like Airtel, Oando, Nigerian Breweries, and MTN, and produces and hosts Nollywood Backstories, a captivating podcast delving into the lesser-known stories of the Nigerian film industry.
Goodness Emmanuel
Goodness Emmanuel is a versatile talent, serving as a trained actor, producer, casting director, and director for film, television, and theatre. She has made significant contributions to the Nigerian film industry, including her role as the co-executive producer, producer, and lead actress in ‘The Griot,’ one of the most-watched Nigerian movies on Netflix in 2022. Her producing credits also include projects like ‘Come Chop Naija’ and ‘Our Best Friend’s Wedding.’ Goodness has worked with renowned directors and has an impressive acting portfolio, including the award-winning films ‘Eyimofe’ and ‘Ajoche.’
Ebuka Njoku
Ebuka Njoku grew up immersed in movies and literature from around the world. He is an advocate for the African Renaissance and channels his passion for change through filmmaking. His first feature, ‘Yahoo+,’ breathed new life into indie filmmaking in Nollywood. He is currently working on his second feature, ‘Uno,’ a tribute to Enugu and the Nigerian family.
Every year, the IFA Jury will recognise and celebrate the best independent filmmakers through private screenings. The annual winners will be bestowed with the prestigious IFA award. The jury will meticulously select the films for nomination, and a curated selection of nominated films will be presented to a live audience at The New Culture Studio in Ibadan. The winners will be unveiled at the event, on the IFA website, and through social media channels.
As the IFA gears up for its second edition, the world anticipates another wave of exceptional independent filmmaking talent to be celebrated and honoured by this prestigious award. Stay tuned for updates on IFA 2023 as it continues to reimagine the world of film.
