ZUFF 2025: Awam Amkpe, Sam Dede Triumph at Zuma International Film Festival
A Night of Celebration for African Cinema
The 15th edition of the Zuma International Film Festival (ZUFF 2025) closed on a high note with a grand finale night where creativity, craft, and storytelling were celebrated in full splendour. From December 1 to December 5, filmmakers, actors, and industry stakeholders gathered to honour excellence in African filmmaking.
Among the standout winners was Nigerian-American filmmaker Awam Amkpe, who earned Best Director for his riveting film The Man Died — a deeply moving adaptation of the memoir of Wole Soyinka, chronicling his harrowing 27-month imprisonment during Nigeria’s civil war.
The Man Died: A Powerful Storytelling Triumph
The Man Died is not just a film — it’s a powerful journey into history, memory, and resilience. The adaptation brings Soyinka’s personal experiences to the screen with compassion and depth. Awam Amkpe’s direction succeeded in transforming this memoir into a compelling cinematic experience.
The film cast included not only emerging talents but also seasoned industry veterans. Among them, Sam Dede delivered a performance strong enough to win him Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Man Died.
In addition to direction and acting honours, The Man Died also walked away with Best Picture and Best Cinematography, underscoring the film’s overall excellence.
ZUFF 2025: A Platform for Creative Excellence and Global Influence
This year’s festival theme — “Storytelling for Global Influence: Film as a Soft Power and Economic Force” — speaks volumes about the vision behind ZUFF. Organisers and supporters aimed to underscore the role of African storytelling as a means of cultural diplomacy and creative economy growth.
In his closing remarks, the head of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) emphasized the growing global demand for rich, culturally grounded film content — and how festivals like ZUFF help nurture talents, encourage co-productions, and build bridges across nations.
The participation of international delegates and embassies further highlights the festival’s ambition to strengthen cultural ties worldwide and elevate African cinema on the global stage.)
What This Means for Nigerian & African Film Industry
- Validation of Quality Storytelling: The success of The Man Died shows that films rooted in African history and literature — when treated with care and artistry — can resonate globally.
- Boost for Filmmakers & Actors: Awards for Amkpe and Sam Dede help draw attention to Nigerian-American and veteran talents, encouraging more cross-cultural collaborations.
- Growth of Creative Economy: With ZUFF recognising films across 21 categories, from documentaries to foreign films, the festival underscores the economic potential of diverse African narratives. (Vanguard News)
- Global Cultural Influence: The festival’s emphasis on storytelling as soft power reinforces the idea that African cinema is not just for domestic consumption — it can shape global perceptions, represent African voices, and influence international audiences.
Final Thoughts
ZUFF 2025 has reaffirmed that African cinema is evolving — with filmmakers who are unafraid to tell hard truths, actors who bring depth to complex roles, and festivals willing to amplify diverse voices. The sweeping success of The Man Died is a beacon of hope for creatives, and a reminder that stories grounded in history, identity, and humanity always find their way to the spotlight.
As we look ahead to ZUFF 2026, one thing is clear: the future of African film is bright — and with talents like Awam Amkpe and Sam Dede leading the way, the world is listening.