The Ibadan International Film Festival, IIFF, has intensified preparations for its landmark fifth edition with a courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the appointment of a new Festival Director, and the official opening of film submissions for the 2026 edition.

The IIFF delegation, led by the Convener, Usman Olarotimi “Blackky” Ogunlade, paid a courtesy visit to His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, to formally brief the revered monarch on plans for the forthcoming edition of the festival scheduled to hold in September 2026.

The visit was aimed at seeking royal blessings and reinforcing the festival’s commitment to promoting Ibadan’s cultural heritage through film, storytelling, and international creative exchange. Speaking during the visit, the Convener highlighted the growth of the festival over the years and its role in positioning Ibadan as an emerging hub for cinema, arts, and cultural dialogue.

He noted that the fifth edition would be a milestone in the festival’s journey, building on previous successes with a renewed focus on African narratives, youth development, cultural diplomacy, and global collaboration. He also emphasized the importance of aligning the festival with Ibadan’s traditional institutions as a foundation for sustainable growth.

In his response, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja described the Ibadan International Film Festival as a laudable and commendable initiative and expressed appreciation to the organisers for their consistency and vision. The monarch assured the festival team of the palace’s readiness to support the initiative and encouraged continuous engagement with the palace whenever its support or guidance is required.

The Olubadan further expressed his personal passion for cinema, noting his long standing interest and involvement in filmmaking in Nigeria. He reiterated the palace’s commitment to supporting the Ibadan International Film Festival as it prepares for its fifth edition.

In a related development, the Ibadan International Film Festival has announced the appointment of Aloba Iyore as its new Festival Director. Iyore succeeds Babatunde Ojobaro, popularly known as Mister Rain, who served as Festival Director from 2022 to 2025 and contributed significantly to strengthening the festival’s structure, visibility, and credibility within the creative industry.

A filmmaker and production manager, Aloba Iyore is a founding member of the IIFF organising team and previously served for four years as Head of Branding, where he played a key role in shaping the festival’s identity, public image, and audience engagement. His appointment reflects continuity, institutional experience, and a renewed strategic focus as the festival enters a new phase of development.

Speaking on the appointment, the Convener, Usman Olarotimi “Blackky” Ogunlade, described Iyore as a committed and visionary creative leader with a deep understanding of the festival’s mission to promote storytelling, creativity, and cultural exchange.

Also commenting on the development, the Head of Marketing and Communications, Femi Davies Alagbala, said the appointment represents both continuity and progress for the Ibadan International Film Festival.

According to him, the festival is focused on strengthening visibility, deepening partnerships, and expanding global participation as it moves toward IIFF 5.0. He encouraged filmmakers, partners, and audiences to remain connected across the festival’s platforms as preparations continue for the 2026 edition.

As part of preparations for the 5th Edition of the Ibadan International Film Festival IIFF 2026, the festival has officially opened film submissions to filmmakers from Nigeria, Africa, and around the world.

The final deadline for submissions is 30 April 2026. Full submission guidelines and further information are available on the official website www.iiff.ng.

With strong traditional backing, renewed leadership, and growing international interest, the Ibadan International Film Festival continues to strengthen its position as a leading platform for African and global cinema, firmly rooted in the cultural heritage of Ibadan.