The Badagry International Film Festival (BIFIF) will return for its fourth edition in December, bringing filmmakers, cultural practitioners and audiences to the historic coastal town of Badagry in Lagos State.
The 2026 festival, themed “Roots and Routes,” is scheduled to take place from December 14 to 20, with a programme spanning film, culture and sport.
Organisers say this year’s edition will focus on African cinema and stories exploring heritage, identity, migration and resilience, while providing a platform for filmmakers from Africa and beyond.
Badagry’s history forms a central part of the festival’s theme. The town was an important port during the transatlantic slave trade and remains home to several historic sites associated with that period.
Its location as a border town also provides a setting for stories about migration, movement and cultural connections — themes organisers say will feature in this year’s film programme.
Founded in 2023, BIFIF combines film screenings and competitions with cultural performances, professional training and other activities aimed at connecting filmmakers and creative professionals.
For its fourth edition, the festival is expected to feature an expanded film competition, a beach marathon and masterclasses led by film and creative industry professionals.
The film competition is open to filmmakers from around the world, with categories covering narrative features, short films and documentaries. The festival places particular emphasis on African-themed productions, human-interest stories and films addressing social and cultural issues affecting Africans and people of colour.
Organisers say the 2026 edition will also create more opportunities for emerging filmmakers to engage with industry professionals and showcase their work to wider audiences.
Festival founder and director Viyon Awhanse has previously described BIFIF as an initiative that uses film and audiovisual storytelling to draw attention to Badagry’s history, culture and creative potential.
The fourth edition will continue the festival’s focus on African storytelling, cultural exchange and opportunities for emerging filmmakers.
