LIFANIMA, Nigeria’s first and only animation film festival, has announced the close of submissions for its 10th anniversary edition after receiving a record 1,298 animated short film entries from more than 120 countries worldwide.
The organisers said the response highlights LIFANIMA’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s leading platforms for animation, storytelling, creativity and industry collaboration.
Since its establishment, the festival has provided a platform for showcasing outstanding animated films, supporting emerging talent, encouraging cultural exchange and connecting African creators with the global animation industry.
The 10th anniversary edition is scheduled to take place from 20 to 22 October 2026 in Lagos and is expected to be the festival’s biggest edition to date.
The programme will feature international film screenings, masterclasses, workshops, networking sessions, panel discussions and special events celebrating a decade of animation excellence.
A major feature of this year’s festival is the introduction of the NOA Animation Awards, sponsored by the National Orientation Agency (NOA). The awards will offer a total prize purse of ₦22.5 million, positioning them among the most valuable animation awards on the African continent.
The awards aim to encourage Nigerian animators to use animation as a tool for promoting positive values, national orientation and social development, while supporting creativity within the country’s growing animation sector.
Speaking on the milestone, LIFANIMA Festival Director Muyiwa Kayode expressed delight at the level of international participation.
“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. 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 said.
The organisers said an international jury of animation professionals would begin the selection process to determine the official selections, nominees and eventual award winners.
LIFANIMA has invited filmmakers, animation studios, students, industry professionals, investors, government agencies, corporate organisations and animation enthusiasts to participate in the 10th anniversary celebration in Lagos.
Presented by USP Communications Limited, LIFANIMA is dedicated to promoting excellence in animation through creativity, innovation, education and industry development. The festival has become a platform for showcasing animated films from Africa and around the world while fostering collaboration and supporting the growth of the continent’s animation ecosystem.
The 2026 edition is supported by official partners including the National Orientation Agency, the Embassy of France in Nigeria, the Bank of Industry and Checkers Africa Limited, makers of Checkers Custard.
