Organisers of the Windsor International Black Film Festival (WIBFF) in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, have confirmed that Nollywood actors and filmmakers will take part in the 2026 edition of the event.
This was made known during a press briefing in Enugu on Wednesday by the festival’s President and Director, Dr. Queen Eghujovbo.
WIBFF is an annual, non-profit film showcase established to give Black filmmakers a dedicated space to present their stories without competing with large-scale commercial productions. The platform also aims to amplify Black voices and promote cultural expression to a global audience.
Represented at the briefing by one of the festival coordinators, Prince Alexander Nwokeabia, Eghujovbo announced that the 2026 edition, scheduled for August 13 to 16, will include a Nollywood Micro Section as well as The Actors Marketplace (TAMP).
She described the initiative as a collaborative effort between WIBFF and the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), designed to advance African cinema, highlight Black excellence, and create wider opportunities for creatives of African descent across the world.
According to her, TAMP is structured as an international platform where Nigerian actors can present their talent, creativity, and professional portfolios to a global industry audience that includes casting directors, producers, distributors, agents, and film executives from Africa, Europe, North and South America, and the Caribbean.
She added that WIBFF continues to position itself as a bridge between Africa and the global Black diaspora, bringing together filmmakers, actors, and cultural practitioners to encourage partnerships, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange.
Eghujovbo further stated that the festival recognises Nollywood as a significant force in global entertainment and is committed to helping Nigerian filmmakers connect with international markets, explore co-production deals, and build lasting professional networks.
She also noted that initiatives like The Actors Marketplace are intended to support the visibility and professional growth of African and Black creatives worldwide.
Speaking at the event, Chief Steve Eboh, who serves as Festival Director of the AGN International Festival, described the collaboration as a major step toward expanding the international reach of Nigerian actors.
He said the partnership would strengthen cultural exchange and further enhance Nollywood’s growing influence in the global film industry, while also creating opportunities for talent discovery, casting access, co-productions, and long-term collaborations.
Eboh also expressed appreciation to TravelWings Nigeria, the official travel and logistics partner for the AGN International Festival Canada edition, for providing support services including travel coordination, visa guidance, and logistical assistance for participants.
He further called on corporate organisations, government agencies, development partners, investors, and stakeholders to support the initiative.
Also speaking, the National Vice President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Mr. Chukwudike Anigbo, urged members to seize the opportunity to participate in the international festival and gain exposure to global industry standards.
He expressed optimism that the event would create new opportunities and open wider international pathways for Nigerian actors and filmmakers.