Nigerian Film ‘To Adaego with Love’ Emerges Overall Best at AFFIF 2026

Nigerian film To Adaego with Love has emerged as the overall Best Film at the fifth edition of the Africa Films for Impact Festival (AFFIF) 2026, held in Abuja.

The film received the recognition after opening the three-day festival, which ran from October 28 to 30 at Silverbird Cinemas under the theme, “Reimagine Africa: Storytelling for Transformation.”

Written and produced by Brenda Ogbukaa-Garba, the production explores the lingering consequences of the Nigerian Civil War and the difficult process of rebuilding trust between communities and the military in its aftermath.

Set in the post-war period, the story follows Major Balarabe Alkali, a Nigerian Army officer deployed to Enugu with the responsibility of improving relations between residents and soldiers stationed in the community.

His assignment takes a personal turn when he falls in love with Adaego, a local mathematics teacher whose family carries deep resentment towards the military following the loss of a family member during the war.

The relationship places personal affection against the background of historical wounds, creating a story that examines how individuals and communities navigate the consequences of conflict.

At the festival, To Adaego with Love emerged as the overall Best Film, also identified as the Jury’s Choice.

The production secured recognition in several other categories, including Best Cinematography, Best Film (Narrative), Best Story on Democracy, Accountability and Anti-Corruption, and Best Film on Peace, Security and Counterterrorism.

Members of the cast and creative team also received individual recognition. Chisom Agoawuike won Best Female Actor, while Adam Garba received the Best Male Actor award. Brenda Ogbukaa-Garuba was also recognised for Best Screenplay.

The collection of awards placed the film among the most recognised productions at this year’s festival.

AFFIF uses cinema as a platform for conversations around governance, accountability, peace, security and social transformation. Its focus reflects the role of film in presenting social issues in ways that can encourage public reflection and wider conversations.

The recognition of To Adaego with Love is particularly significant because its central themes extend beyond romance. The story examines the difficulties that can arise when people attempt to rebuild relationships after conflict, especially when the experiences of affected families have not been fully acknowledged.

Reconciliation is often discussed as an important part of rebuilding communities after violence. However, the process can be complicated by grief, mistrust, unanswered questions and the different ways people remember historical events.

By placing a military officer and a woman from a family affected by the war at the centre of its story, the film explores the tension between personal relationships and collective memory.

Its recognition in categories relating to peace, security, democracy and accountability also highlights the festival’s interest in productions that connect storytelling with broader social questions.

For Nigerian filmmakers, recognition at festivals centred on impact storytelling offers an opportunity to bring local experiences to wider audiences while exploring themes that remain relevant to society.

The film’s awards also demonstrate how historical narratives can contribute to contemporary discussions about military-civilian relations, the legacy of conflict and the process of rebuilding trust.

As African cinema continues to expand its reach, productions that combine compelling storytelling with social themes remain an important part of the continent’s creative landscape.

For To Adaego with Love, emerging as the overall winner at AFFIF 2026 marks a significant achievement for its cast and creative team, while drawing attention to a story rooted in Nigeria’s history and the continuing importance of reconciliation.