Nigerian filmmaker Damilola Orimogunje’s Dear Ajayi has recorded a major milestone for the country’s film industry after becoming the first Nigerian movie to compete in the Venice Days section of the Venice International Film Festival.
The film, which premiered at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, received two major honours, earning the Bisato d’Oro Award for Best Cast & Performances and the CICT-UNESCO Enrico Fulchignoni Prize, also known as the Fellini Medal.
The recognition further places Dear Ajayi among Nigerian productions gaining attention on the international film circuit.
Written, directed and produced by Orimogunje, who previously directed For Maria: Ebun Pataki, the period drama is set in southwestern Nigeria during the 1990s.
The story follows two estranged sisters, Ade and Titi Ajayi, whose lives take an unexpected turn when they are brought together to care for their paralysed mother.
Ade, portrayed by Bimbo Akintola, is a deeply religious woman who carries much of the family’s financial responsibilities and relies on her faith to navigate difficult circumstances. Titi, played by Tosin Adeyemi, is an aspiring singer determined to pursue her ambitions despite the expectations placed on her.
Their contrasting personalities and unresolved differences gradually bring long-standing family tensions to the surface, forcing the sisters to confront issues surrounding grief, sacrifice, ambition and family.
The CICT-UNESCO jury praised the film for its emotional depth and portrayal of migration within a changing Nigerian society. The jury also highlighted the performances of the two lead actors and Orimogunje’s direction.
Reacting to the awards, Orimogunje thanked the cast and crew for their contributions to the project and acknowledged the other filmmakers recognised at the festival.
The film features a supporting cast that includes Lanre Hassan, William Benson, Antar Laniyan, Uzoamaka Power, Michelle Dede, Chioma Omeruah, Tope Tedela and Baaj Adebule.
Dear Ajayi was produced under Orimogunje’s 2o9ine Films, with Bose Oshin, Ajah Enene-Orimogunje, Zorana Mušikić and May Odeh also serving as producers. Re Olunuga composed the film’s score, while FilmOne Entertainment is handling its distribution across West Africa.
Following its Venice success, Dear Ajayi began a limited cinema run in Nigeria on September 18 ahead of its nationwide theatrical release scheduled for November 13, 2026.
