The International Students Film Festival has officially opened submissions for its 4th edition, with entries now live on FilmFreeway from today, 7th July 2026. The festival is scheduled to hold from 20th to 23rd November 2026 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, under the theme Connecting Generations, and submissions are entirely free across all categories.
The Centre for African Arts and Festival Studies at Akwa Ibom State University is hosting the 2026 edition following the formal approval of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Otoabasi Akpan, who accepted the role of Grand Patron of the festival as conferred by the founder and CEO of ISFF, Ambassador Dr. Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen. This was formalised on 9th March 2026 when the festival team, led by the Acting Director of the Centre, Dr. Lucy Iseyen, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor. In his response, Professor Akpan pledged strong institutional support, assuring that all necessary resources would be provided to ensure that ISFF Uyo 2026 becomes a resounding success and an unforgettable cultural experience.
Founded in 2022 by Ambassador Dr. Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, a renowned Nollywood filmmaker and cultural activist, the International Students Film Festival has grown into a dynamic platform dedicated to promoting creativity, innovation, and excellence in storytelling among student filmmakers from Nigeria and beyond. It fosters collaboration, mentorship, and meaningful exchange between emerging talents and established industry professionals. Submitted films must be made by individuals currently under training in film learning institutions or academies.
Student filmmakers submitting before 31st July 2026 will meet the Earlybird Deadline. The Regular Deadline closes on 31st August 2026, the Late Deadline on 11th October 2026, and selected filmmakers will be notified on 1st November 2026, three weeks before the festival opens.
The 2026 edition will feature film screenings, panel discussions, masterclasses, networking sessions, and award presentations recognising outstanding student productions. Twelve awards will be presented at the festival. The full list includes Best Actor in a Male Role, Best Actor in a Female Role, the Chico Ejiro Award for Best Director, Best Editor, Best Cinematography, the Cleopatra Award for Best Make-Up, the Emem Isong Misodi Award for Best Screenplay, Best Costume, Best Short Film, the Captain Dr. Hosa Okunbo Award for Best Overall Film, the SIGNIS Africa Award for Best Humanitarian Documentary, and the Francis Onwochei Award for Best Live Contest.
The previous edition, hosted by Imo State University, recorded notable success, with students from Wigwe University winning four major awards, highlighting the growing competitiveness and standard of the festival. Since its founding, the festival has attracted entries from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, Spain, and several other countries, with its independent jury selecting films from both African and international submissions for screening.
Student filmmakers and institutions can submit entries for free directly at here. For further enquiries, contact Festival Director Emmanuel Eyaba and the organising team via call or WhatsApp on +234 802 106 6914 or +234 706 869 9285.
