By Priscilla Osaje
‘The Specialists’, a Nollywood political thriller, has been officially selected for the 2026 International Black and Diversity Film Festival (IBDFF) in Canada, securing seven award nominations ahead of its global release.
Mr Paulgold Joseph, founder of AFRIGOS Film Studios, producers of the film, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
According to him, the early international recognition of the film underscores its growing prominence within the global cinema space.
Joseph said the film was created with a clear vision to tell a powerful African story with global resonance.
“This recognition in Canada is a strong validation of that vision, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead.
“As anticipation builds ahead of its official release, “The Specialists” is poised to make a significant impact on audiences worldwide,” he said.
Joseph said with the growing festival momentum, the film is currently entering discussions for international distribution, sales representation, and strategic partnerships across theatrical, streaming, and television platforms.
According to him, the milestone reinforces AFRIGOS Films’ reputation as a production company, committed to delivering commercially viable and globally competitive African content.
He said the film was produced in collaboration with El-Sueno Films Inc.,a project that reflected a deliberate effort to bridge African storytelling with global cinematic standards.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ‘The Specialists’, directed and produced by Joseph, is a political crime thriller.
It examines themes of power, loyalty, corruption, and the human cost of control within a high-stakes political system.
The star-studded film features veteran actor Sam Dede, Bimbo Akintola, Francis Duru and Baaj Adebule, among others.
The screenplay was written by Emil Garuba, who is acclaimed for works such as ‘Lionheart’, ‘4th Republic’, and ‘Road to Yesterday’ in collaboration with his brother, Echobu Garuba.
The production involved advanced filming technologies and cross-continental post-production across Nigeria, Turkey and the United States.
NAN also reports that the IBDFF, now in its 6th edition, is a film fiesta that showcases independent films by black filmmakers, films with black actors in key roles, and projects exploring black realities globally.
The festival promotes cultural diversity through screenings, panel discussions, and an awards gala, offering a platform for black creators, while celebrating inclusion.
The 2026 edition is scheduled to hold from April 17 to 19 in Ajax, Ontario.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joshua Olomu
