By Benjamin Njoku

Warri, a city famed more for its oil wealth than for film, recently turned into a buzzing cinematic hub.

From Monday,  December  8 , to Thursday  December 12, the GT Events Hall hosted the inaugural Warri International Film Festival, drawing filmmakers, cultural promoters, government officials and key industry stakeholders to the Delta State commercial centre to showcase the city’s emerging film scene.

Over four days, the usually tranquil city shed its serenity and celebrated its glorious past, marking a bold step toward positioning Warri as a new destination for creative talent. The event even honoured Delta State Governor RT Hon Sheriff Oborevwori with an Excellence Award, highlighting the festival’s significance for the region’s film scene  The award celebrated Governor Oborevwori’s sustained commitment to infrastructure renewal, urban regeneration, and policies that continue to expand the creative economy in Delta State.

Also honoured at the event were the member representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, and the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Hon. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro.

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, who received the award on behalf of the governor expressed gratitude to the organisers for recognising the governor’s vision and developmental strides.

“Let me appreciate His Excellency for giving me the privilege to receive this prestigious award on his behalf. This honour is a clear recognition of his unwavering support for Nollywood and his commitment to the transformation of Warri. Indeed, the Governor’s efforts in rebuilding Warri and its environs through infrastructural renewal, the revival of commercial activities, enhanced security, improved environmental cleanliness, and social empowerment initiatives are already yielding visible and impactful results,”Aniagwu said.

He noted that the award further reaffirms the Governor’s pledge to restore Warri to its pride of place as a commercial and cultural hub in the Niger Delta. He added that the administration’s investments in road infrastructure, urban beautification, security architecture, and youth-focused creative programmes continue to open new opportunities for filmmakers, entertainers, and other stakeholders in the creative sector.

Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Hon. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, announced plans to establish a film village in Warri in 2026 to boost the city’s status as a hub for the Nigerian film industry, with the aim of promoting creative interest and attracting greater investment into the region’s film sector.

Also, Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to veteran filmmakers Andy Boyo, Joe Dudu, and Dr. Shaibu Hussein, Director General and Chief Executive of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), among others.

Founder of the festival and veteran filmmaker and journalist, Mr. Alex Eyengho, described Governor Oborevwori as a “visionary leader whose policies have created a conducive environment for artistic expression and cinematic growth.” He said the Warri International Film Festival was conceptualized to promote Warri’s creative industry and showcase its talents globally.

Eyengho commended the state government for strengthening partnerships between the entertainment industry and public institutions, a move which he said would bolster job creation and position Delta State as a preferred destination for film production.

Break of Dawn dominates the night

The night’s biggest triumph belonged to the Nigerian film, “Break of Dawn,” produced by Temisan Ereyitomi, which swept seven out of ten nominations to lead the pack.

Directed by Umanu Elijah, the film also served as the festival’s closing feature. Awards won by “Break of Dawn” included Best Producer/Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Soundtrack, Best Editing, Best Director and Best Feature Length Film. The film beat Bamidele Adelusi’s “SUKY,” which captured three awards: Best Cinematography, Best Lighting and Best Upcoming Actor from twelve nominations. Cameroon’s “Dead Man’s Wish,” with six nominations, took home the Best Screenplay award,while “Love from Bayelsa” won the Best Short Film award.

Screened as the closing film, “Break of Dawn” was praised for its storyline, entertainment value and treatment of contemporary issues. The narrative follows a wealthy politician’s daughter who becomes entangled in a dangerous money ritual deal, leading to a high stakes battle of wits before sunrise.

Jury president Amayo Uzo Philips explained that the winners were chosen because their works stood out in an exceptionally strong field. He highlighted the African rooted stories, global resonance and bold experimentation with form, culture and emotion that defined the submissions. “Cinema is not just entertainment; it is memory, activism, courage, and healing,” he said.

The event featured masterclasses, panel discussions, networking sessions, musical performances and poetry recitations, aiming to position Warri as a new cultural hotspot and a preferred destination for film production in Nigeria. Debuting this year, the festival aims to showcase local and international films and inspire emerging filmmakers.