LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- A Nigerian political thriller, The Specialists, has gained international attention after being officially selected for the 2026 International Black and Diversity Film Festival (IBDFF) in Canada, where it also received seven award nominations ahead of its official release.
The announcement was made in Abuja on Friday by producer and AFRIGOS Film Studios founder, Paulgold Joseph, who confirmed that the film will be showcased at the festival scheduled for April 17 to 19 in Ajax, Ontario.
The movie, which Joseph also directed, is a political crime thriller that explores themes of power, loyalty, corruption, plus the human consequences of political control in a high-stakes environment.
It features a notable cast including Sam Dede, Bimbo Akintola, Francis Duru, and Baaj Adebule.
The screenplay was written by Emil Garuba alongside Echobu Garuba, with credits including major Nigerian films such as Lionheart, 4th Republic, and Road to Yesterday.
According to Joseph, the early recognition reflects the film’s rising profile in global cinema circles and its growing appeal beyond African audiences.
He explained that the project was developed with a clear intention to present a strong African story with universal relevance.
“This recognition in Canada is a strong validation of that vision, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead,” Joseph said.
He further added that The Specialists is now attracting interest for international distribution deals, sales representation, as well as partnerships across cinema, streaming, and television platforms.
In addition, Joseph noted that the milestone strengthens AFRIGOS Films’ position as a production company focused on creating African content that meets global commercial standards.
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The film was produced in partnership with El-Sueno Films Inc., reflecting a cross-border collaboration aimed at aligning African storytelling with international film practices.
Also, production reportedly involved advanced filming technology with post-production work carried out across Nigeria, Turkey, and the United States, highlighting its international scope.
The International Black and Diversity Film Festival, now in its sixth edition, continues to spotlight films by Black filmmakers, projects featuring Black actors in key roles, plus stories that reflect global Black experiences through screenings, panels, plus award presentations.
Growing anticipation around The Specialists suggests the film may extend its festival momentum into global distribution, positioning it as one of Nollywood’s notable cross-border cinematic entries this season.
(NAN)
