Nollywood is making history at the Venice International Film Festival as Damilola Orimogunje’s period drama Dear Ajayi has been selected for its World Premiere in Competition at the 23rd Giornate degli Autori, part of the 83rd Venice Film Festival scheduled from 2 to 12 September 2026. This marks a significant milestone, as Dear Ajayi becomes the first Nigerian production to enter the prestigious Giornate degli Autori competition, highlighting Nigeria’s growing influence on the global cinematic stage.
Written, directed, and produced by Damilola Orimogunje, the film is set in 1990s southwestern Nigeria and follows the emotional journey of two estranged sisters, Ade and Titi Ajayi. Forced to reunite under one roof to care for their paralysed mother, the sisters confront unresolved grief, personal ambitions, and the complexities of faith and love while rebuilding their fractured relationship. The story offers a powerful exploration of family, identity, and resilience within a richly textured Nigerian setting.
The cast features a stellar lineup of seasoned and rising talents, including Bimbo Akintola, Uzoamaka Power, Antar Laniyan, Tosin Adeyemi, Michelle Dede, Lanre Hassan Adesina (as Mama Awero), William Benson, Chioma Omeruah (Chigurl), Tope Tedela, and Baaj Adebule. Their performances promise depth and authenticity, bringing the intimate drama to life with emotional nuance and cultural resonance.
Damilola Orimogunje’s journey to this moment has been shaped by years of dedication and recognition. His 2020 debut feature, For Maria Ebun Pataki, earned six African Movie Academy Award nominations, establishing him as a formidable voice in African cinema. He also contributed as a producer to Babatunde Apalowo’s critically acclaimed All the Colours of the World Are Between Black and White, which premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival. His earlier short films, Losing My Religion and Heaven Baby, further demonstrated his storytelling prowess.
In a heartfelt statement, Orimogunje expressed his gratitude: “Thrilled to share that Dear Ajayi has been selected to World Premiere in Competition at the 23rd Giornate degli Autori, at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. This film has been years in the making, a journey shaped by so many extraordinary people who believed in it and gave so much of themselves to bring it to life.” He thanked the selection committee, cast, crew, producers, and supporters, calling the achievement a collective triumph.
With its compelling narrative, strong performances, and historic festival placement, Dear Ajayi is poised to captivate audiences worldwide and further elevate Nollywood’s reputation on the international film circuit. Its premiere in Venice signals not just a breakthrough for Damilola Orimogunje, but for Nigerian cinema as a whole.
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