Kaelo Iyizoba Becomes First Nigerian Honored at TIFF 2026

Kaelo Iyizoba achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Nigerian to receive an Honourable Mention for Best International Short Film at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2026. His film, which features Rita Dominic, is a homage to old Nollywood and is the only African film in this year's festival lineup.

The narrative centers on Madame P, portrayed by Dominic, who confronts her identity on her daughter's wedding day while navigating the theatrical world of an old Nollywood movie. This short film serves as a proof of concept for a larger feature that Iyizoba has been developing.

Iyizoba, who initially pursued a career in medicine and pharmacy due to family expectations, found his passion for filmmaking after being encouraged to apply to Columbia's film program. His previous experience at TIFF includes participation in the Directors' Lab in 2025, and he expresses a desire for more representation of African filmmakers in international spaces.