LIFANIMA announces ₦22.5m awards for its 10th anniversary festival after receiving 1,298 animated film entries from 120 countries

Nigeria’s leading animation film festival, LIFANIMA, has announced a ₦22.5 million cash prize package for its 10th Anniversary Edition, following a record-breaking response that saw 1,298 animated short film entries submitted from more than 120 countries.

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The announcement was made ahead of the festival’s scheduled celebration from October 20 to 22, 2026, in Lagos, as organisers prepare for what they describe as the biggest edition in the festival’s history.

The milestone highlights the growing influence of LIFANIMA as a platform for animation, storytelling, creativity and collaboration between African creators and the global animation industry.

Since its establishment, the festival has provided opportunities for emerging animators to showcase their work, connect with industry professionals and contribute to the development of Africa’s creative sector.

A major attraction of this year’s edition is the introduction of the NOA Animation Awards, sponsored by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), which will provide a total of ₦22.5 million in cash prizes.

The awards are designed to encourage Nigerian animators to use animation as a tool for promoting positive values, national development and social impact, while supporting world-class creative production.

Speaking on the achievement, LIFANIMA Festival Director, Muyiwa Kayode, described the international response as a significant milestone for the festival.

“Receiving 1,298 submissions from over 120 countries is a remarkable achievement and a testament to how far LIFANIMA has come in the past ten years,” Kayode said.

“We are proud that creators from every region of the world continue to see Nigeria as an important destination for animation. The introduction of the NOA Animation Awards further demonstrates our commitment to growing the industry while encouraging animation that positively impacts society,” he added.

An international panel of animation professionals will now begin the selection process to determine the official selections, nominees and eventual winners across various categories.

The anniversary edition will feature international film screenings, masterclasses, workshops, networking sessions, panel discussions and special events celebrating a decade of animation excellence.

Organisers have invited filmmakers, animation studios, students, investors, government agencies, corporate organisations and animation enthusiasts to participate in the Lagos event.

LIFANIMA, presented by USP Communications Limited, has received support from organisations including the National Orientation Agency, the Embassy of France in Nigeria, the Bank of Industry and Checkers Africa Limited, makers of Checkers Custard.

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The festival continues to position Nigeria as an emerging hub for animation while creating pathways for local talent to connect with opportunities across the global creative industry.