Chioma Ude, Head of the International Film Festival (AFRIFF) and the Africa Film and Content Market (AFCM), has been honoured at the recently concluded Dhofar International Film Festival in Oman.
The Oman Film Society presented the award, recognising Ude’s contributions to the global film industry.
Ude also served as Head of the Short Films Jury at the festival, drawing on her experience in African cinema, film festivals, film markets, production and industry development.
Her participation created opportunities for discussions on AFRIFF, AFCM, cultural exchange and bilateral engagement between Nigeria, Oman and the wider African film industry.
The engagement focused on strengthening relationships among filmmakers, institutions and other industry professionals.
Ude’s connection with the Oman Film Society began last year when she met Ahmed Othman, an Omani film professional and member of the society.
Following the meeting, Ude invited Othman to Nigeria, where he served as a jury member at AFRIFF and AFCM in November 2025.
The visit subsequently led to Ude’s invitation to Oman to explore further opportunities for collaboration.
Speaking at the festival, Ude said, ‘I do not come here by chance. I actually came here as a challenge.’
Reflecting on her experience as a jury member, she said, ‘We worked very hard. We watched great films. Some of the films made us laugh so much… Some of them made us cry… But all in all, we realised the filmmakers worked even harder than we did.’
During her visit, Ude also met Anwar bin Khamis Al Ruzaiqi, Chairman of the Oman Film Society, as well as Bushra Ahmed Razza, the Egyptian actress, singer and producer professionally known as Bushra.
The engagements formed part of broader discussions around film festivals and markets as platforms for film exhibition, professional development, business, investment, co-production and cultural exchange.
Ude’s participation in the festival comes ahead of the 15th edition of AFRIFF, scheduled to be held from November 1 to 7, 2026, in Nigeria.
AFCM will also provide a market platform for business, partnerships, content acquisition, investment and professional exchange within Africa’s film and television industry.
Ude’s recognition at the Dhofar International Film Festival adds to her international engagement in the film industry and comes amid efforts to strengthen connections between African and international filmmakers and industry professionals.