Damilola Orimogunje’s Dear Ajayi has made history as the first Nigerian film selected for competition at Venice Giornate degli Autori (Venice Days). The film also won two awards at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.

The period drama won the Bisato d’Oro Award 2026 for Best Cast & Performances. It also received the 38th CICT-UNESCO Enrico Fulchignoni Prize (Fellini Medal).

Jury praises Dear Ajayi

The jury praised the film for its emotional depth and filmmaking. In its citation, it said:

“A work of great human depth on the drama of emigration in the context of a society, the Nigerian one, in full evolution. The beautiful acting of the two protagonists and the direction, skilled in returning environments and emotions, make this film a sure testimony to the creative moment of Nigerian cinema, now ripe for the international limelight.”

The film’s historic run comes ahead of its nationwide cinema release in Nigeria on November 13.

Dear Ajayi has also been showing in select cinemas since September 18. The early screenings offer audiences a chance to see the film before its wider release.

Orimogunje, who directed, wrote and produced the film, also thanked the cast and crew after the awards.

“Congratulations to every other film and filmmaker recognised this year. It was a privilege to have our film stand among other amazing films. To our cast and crew, this belongs to you. Thank you to everyone who gave something of themselves to bring this story to life, and to everyone who has carried it since. This is only the beginning. We can’t wait for more people around the world to meet these characters.”

What Dear Ajayi is about

Set in 1990s southwestern Nigeria, the film follows two estranged sisters, Ade and Titi Ajayi.

The sisters are forced to live under the same roof while caring for their paralysed mother.

Bimbo Akintola plays Ade, a devout Christian and the family’s main provider. Tosin Adeyemi plays Titi, an aspiring singer who often clashes with her sister’s values.

As old wounds return, the sisters face grief, ambition and sacrifice. They must also deal with the fragile ties holding their family together.

The film features Lanre Hassan, William Benson, Antar Laniyan, Uzoamaka Power, Michelle Dede, Chioma Omeruah, Tope Tedela and Baaj Adebule.

Produced under Orimogunje’s 2o9ine Films banner, Dear Ajayi was made alongside Bose Oshin, Ajah Enene-Orimogunje, Zorana Mušikić and May Odeh.

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