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Nigerian filmmaker Ny Nana has reached a major career milestone as her short film Okeoghene secured an impressive 21 nominations at the 2026 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF), placing the indigenous-language production among the festival's standout contenders.
The recognition highlights the growing appreciation for films that celebrate Nigeria's diverse cultures and languages while delivering compelling stories with universal appeal.
Written, directed and produced by Ny Nana, Okeoghene is a 14-minute drama performed primarily in the Urhobo language.
The film follows the emotional journey of a woman whose repeated miscarriages lead her to uncover a forgotten spiritual bond between her family and an ancient river deity.
As personal loss begins to strain her marriage, she embarks on a path of self-discovery, faith and ancestral healing.
Leading the cast are Caroline Areoghene Igben and Elijah Ogann, whose performances bring emotional depth to a story that explores motherhood, identity, spirituality and the importance of preserving cultural traditions.
The production earned nominations across several major categories, including Best Nollywood Narrative Film, Best African Indigenous Film, Best Short Drama and Best Film by a Female Filmmaker.
It also received recognition in technical categories such as editing, costume design, makeup and hairstyling, original music and experimental filmmaking, reflecting the quality of work delivered by the production team.
Reacting to the achievement, Ny Nana described the nominations as both encouraging and deeply meaningful. She explained that the project was created out of a passion for promoting the Urhobo language and showcasing its rich cultural heritage through cinema.
According to the filmmaker, she hopes the film's success will inspire more storytellers to embrace indigenous languages and tell authentic stories rooted in their communities.
Produced under Ny Nana Studios, Okeoghene continues the filmmaker's commitment to creating culturally significant stories centred on women's experiences, spirituality and African traditions.
Behind the scenes, the project also features the creative contributions of cinematographer and editor Damilare Adeeso, costume designer Iwarri Ogenrukevwe Endurance and production manager Desmond Ejay, whose efforts helped shape the visually striking short film.
With 21 TINFF nominations already to its name, Okeoghene has made an impressive start to its festival journey. The recognition not only celebrates Ny Nana's creative vision but also reflects the increasing global interest in indigenous Nigerian storytelling.
As audiences continue to embrace authentic African narratives, the film stands as another example of Nollywood's expanding influence on the international festival circuit.
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