Damilola Orimogunje’s period drama Dear Ajayi became the first Nigerian film selected for the Venice Days competition and took home the Bisato d’Oro for Best Cast & Performances and the CICT-UNESCO Enrico Fulchignoni Prize (Fellini Medal) at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.
Dear Ajayi is the first Nigerian film selected to compete in Venice Giornate degli Autori (Venice Days).
At the 83rd Venice International Film Festival the film won the Bisato d’Oro Award 2026 for Best Cast & Performances and the 38th CICT-UNESCO Enrico Fulchignoni Prize (Fellini Medal).
Produced by Orimogunje’s 2o9ine Films with FilmOne Entertainment distributing across West Africa, the film’s score is by Re Olunuga.
# What happened Damilola Orimogunje's Dear Ajayi made festival history as the first Nigerian film chosen for competition in Venice Days (Giornate degli Autori). At the 83rd Venice International Film Festival it won two awards: the Bisato d'Oro Award 2026 for Best Cast & Performances and the 38th CICT-UNESCO Enrico Fulchignoni Prize, also known as the Fellini Medal.
# Why the awards matter Ajayi as "a work of great human depth on the drama of emigration in the context of a society, the Nigerian one, in full evolution," and praised the acting of the two protagonists and the direction. That citation frames the film as a culturally specific story that found resonance with an international festival jury.
# What the film is about Set in 1990s southwestern Nigeria, Dear Ajayi centers on two estranged sisters, Ade and Titi Ajayi, who must reunite under the same roof to care for their paralysed mother. Ade (Bimbo Akintola) is a devout Christian and the family's primary provider. Titi (Tosin Adeyemi) is an ambitious aspiring singer whose independence creates ongoing conflict with her sister's values. The story examines grief, ambition, sacrifice, and family bonds.
# Who made it
# Festival reception and filmmaker response Festival juries highlighted the film's emotional resonance and craft. Orimogunje thanked cast and crew in public comments after the win, saying the honour belonged to the team and expressing hope that audiences worldwide would meet the film's characters. She framed the awards as part of a larger trajectory for the film's exposure.
# Release plan and viewing options Dear Ajayi began limited showings in select cinemas on 18 September, ahead of a nationwide theatrical debut in Nigeria scheduled for 13 November. FilmOne Entertainment is listed as the West African distributor.
# What to watch for next Expect increased attention on Dear Ajayi as it reaches wider audiences in Nigeria in November. International festival recognition may influence further festival bookings, critical coverage, and distribution opportunities beyond West Africa.
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