Nigerian film To Adaego with Love has emerged as the overall winner at the fifth edition of the Africa Films for Impact Festival (AFFIF) 2026, held in Abuja.
The recognition comes after the film opened the three-day festival, which ran from October 28 to 30 at Silverbird Cinemas, Abuja, under the theme “Reimagine Africa: Storytelling for Transformation.”
Written and produced by Brenda Ogbukaa-Garba, To Adaego with Love explores the lingering consequences of the Nigerian Civil War and the challenges of rebuilding trust between communities and the military in its aftermath.
Set in the post-war period, the film follows Major Balarabe Alkali, a Nigerian Army officer deployed to Enugu with the responsibility of reconciling residents with soldiers stationed in the community. His assignment takes a personal turn when he falls in love with Adaego, a local mathematics teacher whose family carries deep resentment towards the military following the loss of a family member during the war.
To Adaego with Love dominated the awards at the festival, emerging as the overall Best Film (Jury’s Choice) and securing recognition across several major categories.
The film won Best Cinematography, Best Film (Narrative), Best Story on Democracy, Accountability and Anti-Corruption, and Best Film on Peace, Security and Counterterrorism.
Its cast and creative team also received individual honours, with Chisom Agoawuike winning Best Female Actor, Adam Garba taking Best Male Actor, and Brenda Ogbukaa-Garuba receiving the Best Screenplay award.
Ultimately, To Adaego with Love suggests that sustainable peace requires more than the absence of conflict. It demands responsible leadership, justice, accountability and a willingness to confront the past. These themes place the film firmly within AFFIF’s broader mission of using cinema to encourage civic reflection and inspire social transformation.
