thesilkroadtoday
By Osezua Stephen-Imobhio
Nollywood icon Kunle Afolayan is bringing another powerful African story to the international stage as the acclaimed political drama, Tenants of the House, has been officially selected for screening at the 2026 African Indigenous Language Film Festival (AILFF), taking place 22–25 July 2026 in Parakou, Benin Republic.
Adapted from the award-winning novel by Dr. Wale Okediran, co-winner of the Wole Soyinka Prize for African Literature, the film explores the realities of politics, power, corruption, and ethical leadership. Directed by Afolayan, it has earned praise as one of Nollywood’s most compelling political dramas.
Adding to the excitement, Dr. Wale Okediran—the celebrated author of the novel and producer of the film—will attend AILFF 2026 in person, giving delegates a rare opportunity to meet and interact with one of Africa’s leading literary and film personalities.
Now in its third edition, AILFF will be held under the theme “Digital Bridges, Ancestral Voices: Reclaiming African Screens with Indigenous Tongues.” Alongside film screenings, the festival will host a landmark two-day intensive workshop on Artificial Intelligence in filmmaking at the prestigious University of Parakou, covering storytelling, production, distribution, discoverability, monetization, subtitling, dubbing, and drone cinematography. The festival’s screenings, cultural showcases, networking events, and other official activities will take place in Parakou’s city centre and other designated venues across the city.
The festival has attracted participants from across Africa and beyond and is being presented in partnership with the Asha Yoruba Festival of Benin, creating a unique celebration of African cinema, language, and culture in English, French, and Yoruba.
With Dr. Wale Okediran attending in person, Tenants of the House is set to be one of the standout attractions of AILFF 2026, reaffirming Nollywood’s growing influence on the African and global cinema landscape.
For Participation/Sponsorship: Contact: +2348023141942
