Animation festival takes centre-stage in Lagos as 9th LIFANIMA kicks off today
By Editor
THE Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hon. Hanatu Musa Musawa, is set to officially declare the 9th edition of Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA) open on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos. This highly anticipated event will kick off a three-day celebration of animation artistry, running from October 7 to October 9, 2025, and featuring a diverse lineup of animation short films from around the globe.
Screenings are scheduled to take place daily from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, drawing animation enthusiasts and industry professionals to the Alliance Francaise Amphitheatre, Mike Adenuga Centre on Osborne Road, Ikoyi.
On Day One, heavy weaith panel members like the Director General for National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Mr. Obi Asika, President, Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Mr. Uche Agbo, filmmaker and Director, Abuja Int’l Film Festival, Mr. Fidelis Duker, Chief Operating Officer, Del-York Group, Mr. Ikenna Oguike and MD, Basement Animation and Trustee, Animation Nigeria, Mr. Mbuotidem Johnson, with moderation from MD, Radiocity Media Ltd, Esther Kemi Gbadamosi. They will speak on the topic, ‘The Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF): A Catalyst for Growth’.
On Day Two have the Director-General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu speak on the topic, ‘The Federal Government’s Policy on Nationalization of Cartoon Content: A Breakthrough for Nigerian Animation’ as guest, with panel members including the Director-General of National Film and Video Cencors Board, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), Hon. Aisha Adamu Augie, Director-General of National Broadcasting Commission, Mr. Charles Ebuebu, Senior Producer, Triggerfish Animation and MD, SMDS Animation and Trustee, Animation Nigeria. Actor and producer, Francis Onwochei will moderate the panel session. Both sessions start at 11.00am each day.
The festival will reach its grand finale with the LIFANIMA Animation Awards on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 5:00pm; it will also be hosted at the same venue, and promises to be an evening of recognition and celebration for outstanding contributions of animators to the animation world.
Minister Musawa has expressed her admiration for the festival’s unwavering commitment to fostering the sustainable growth and development of Nigeria’s Creative Economy, particularly in the animation sub-genre of filmmaking. She described LIFANIMA as a laudable initiative that continues to elevate the nation’s cultural landscape on the international stage.
As Nigeria’s premier animation film festival, LIFANIMA has gained remarkable prominence, attracting over 1,000 submissions each year from more than 100 countries. This global participation underscores the festival’s reputation as a key platform for showcasing innovative talent and fostering cross-cultural exchange through animation.
Adding to the excitement, attendees can look forward to complimentary popcorn and drinks throughout the event, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The festival, now in its ninth season under the ‘Get Animated’ banner, has become a cornerstone for Lagos’ cultural calendar, offering a unique opportunity for locals and visitors alike to engage with animated storytelling.
