2025 ZUFF awards: Nigerian-American, Awam Amkpa, bags Best  Director, Sam Dede, Best Supporting Actor

Abuja, Dec. 6, 2025

A Renowned Nigerian-American interdisciplinary artist and filmmaker, Awam Amkpa, has emerged  the Best Director for the film ‘The Man Died’,  while  veteran actor, Sam Dede won the Best Supporting Actor for the same  film  at the grand finale of the 15th edition of the 2025 Zuma International Film Festival (ZUFF).

The Film Festival, which kick off with a vibrant opening on Dec. 1, ended with remarkable celebration of African cinematic creativity, innovation and culture.

The ZUFF 2025 jury made the announcement on Friday night at the grand finale of the prestigious Zuma Awards Ceremony.

According to the jury, a total of 3, 179 films  were submitted from various countries, 406 outstanding films were selected to the awardee of the competitive categories, but in all, 21 categories were considered this year representing the vast depth of the competitive world.

The  21 awards categories  include: Best Documentary, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Short film, Best Supporting Actor, Best Foreign Film, Best Actress, Best Sound, among others.

Amkpa, who emerged the Best Director directed  the film ‘The Man Died,’ Professor Wole Soyinka’s prison experiences during Nigeria’s civil war.

‘The Man Died’ is a 2024 Nigerian feature film adaptation of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka’s harrowing memoir. It is  about his 27 months imprisonment by Nigeria’s military regime during the civil  war.

The film starred Wale Ojo as Soyinka, exploring themes of resistance, tyranny, and the power of the human spirit through Soyinka’s internal struggles, clandestine writings and efforts to broker peace.

The film also featured a cast of renowned actors and actresses like  Sam Dede, Norbert Young among  others. The Director has also directed  the following film documentaries ‘Winds Against Our Souls’ , ‘It’s All About Downtown’,  ‘National Images and Transnational Desires’.

Veteran actor, Dede won the Best Supporting Actor for his lead role in the film directed by Akmpa, ‘The Man Died’.

Other awardees are Best Actor which went to Abdulazeem Ibrahim, Best Actress Ijapari Ben-Hirk in the film ‘Finding Nina,’  Best  Cinematography, ‘The  Man Died,’ directed by Amkpa, Best Documentary, ‘The Cashew Rain’ directed by Alan Schvarsberg Brazil, Best Picture, ‘The Man Died’ directed by Amkpa, among others.

Earlier,  Dr Ali Nuhu, Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) in his remark, commended everyone that engaged in all activities of the 15th edition of the film festival, aimed at improving film as a product and commodity within the creative economy, as well  as  sharing inspiring experiences about the power of storytelling.

According to him, the search for and consumption of movie content globally has increased tremendously.

Nuhu added that the positive impact the sector exerts on Nigeria’s creative ecosystem continued to inspire them in hosting the annual Zuma International Film Festival.

“As we bring the 2025 Zuma international film festival to a close, commence activities towards the 2026 and 16th edition in earnest. I gladly affirm that we shall continue to offer unparalleled national, regional, and global opportunities, through shared ideas, experiences and exchanges.

“Throughout the five days, Zuma offered meticulously curated programmes, panel sessions and events, that left us inspired, educated and entertained.

“From the thought provoking documentaries to captivating short and feature films, there was indeed something that resonated with everyone and we will be leaving this venue today with unforgettable thrills and experiences,” he said .

NFC boss reaffirmed the Film Corporation’s commitment to better Nigeria’s film industry for the promotion and growth of film production and cinema activities.

“This year’s theme: “Storytelling for Global Influence: Film as a Soft Power and Economic Force” reminded us of the incredible power of Nigeria’s and indeed Africa’s cultural and creative strength.

“We intend to sustain the importance of storytelling as a soft power in driving global influence, just as Nigeria’s cinematic excellence continues to exert positive impact globally.

“We must support the growth of creative economies, including cultural diplomacy. We have been transported into the world of creative excellence with nothing short of exceptional experiences.

“From the success so far, we intend to use ZUMA 2026  to sustain conversations, strengthen partnerships, boost co-production, creating perfect opportunity to connect, promote and reward excellence,” he added.

He  appreciated members of the jury, as well as for their film entries that were impactful with deep storytelling mechanisms that resonate across the global film community.

“I congratulate award winners from all the categories of the Zuma International film festival 2025. May your award continue to inspire you unto greater content creation with positive impact on human existence.

 “Those who did not come tops as winners need not despair. Together, we stay positive still contributing to the business of filmmaking as creative giants. Nigeria, with its vibrant film industry is a pride for all of us.

“I deeply  appreciate Governments and Embassies of the Peoples Republic of China, Iran, Spain, Germany, South Africa, and others for sending delegates to participate in ZUFF 2025.

“This indeed is an indication of how best to strengthen our bilateral cultural relations which we cherish.

“We deeply appreciate  President Bola  Tinubu, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) led by  Nyesom Wike and Dr Mariyam Mahmoud, and  Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy and Gov. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau.

Mr. Ejike Asiegbu, Chairman of Jury, hailed the quality of the entries and the professional performance of members of the jury. He also commended the NFC boss as well as the other who made the Festival a great success.

“I am  delighted to extend today our heartfelt appreciation to the NFC boss, who is  very capable, dynamic and distinguished, and I also appreciate seven exceptional  jury members comprised of three  Nigerians  and four international members.