Events

LIFANIMA Announces ₦22.5m Awards for 10th Anniversary Festival

Published

4 months ago

July 17, 2026

LIFANIMA announces ₦22.5m awards for its 10th anniversary festival after receiving 1,298 animated film entries from 120 countries

Nigeria’s leading animation film festival, LIFANIMA, has announced a ₦22.5 million cash prize package for its 10th Anniversary Edition, following a record-breaking response that saw 1,298 animated short film entries submitted from more than 120 countries.

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The announcement was made ahead of the festival’s scheduled celebration from October 20 to 22, 2026, in Lagos, as organisers prepare for what they describe as the biggest edition in the festival’s history.

The milestone highlights the growing influence of LIFANIMA as a platform for animation, storytelling, creativity and collaboration between African creators and the global animation industry.

Since its establishment, the festival has provided opportunities for emerging animators to showcase their work, connect with industry professionals and contribute to the development of Africa’s creative sector.

A major attraction of this year’s edition is the introduction of the NOA Animation Awards, sponsored by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), which will provide a total of ₦22.5 million in cash prizes.

The awards are designed to encourage Nigerian animators to use animation as a tool for promoting positive values, national development and social impact, while supporting world-class creative production.

Speaking on the achievement, LIFANIMA Festival Director, Muyiwa Kayode, described the international response as a significant milestone for the festival.

“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,” Kayode said.

“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 added.

An international panel of animation professionals will now begin the selection process to determine the official selections, nominees and eventual winners across various categories.

The anniversary edition will feature international film screenings, masterclasses, workshops, networking sessions, panel discussions and special events celebrating a decade of animation excellence.

Organisers have invited filmmakers, animation studios, students, investors, government agencies, corporate organisations and animation enthusiasts to participate in the Lagos event.

LIFANIMA, presented by USP Communications Limited, has received support from organisations including the National Orientation Agency, the Embassy of France in Nigeria, the Bank of Industry and Checkers Africa Limited, makers of Checkers Custard.

Also read: Wizkid Set to Light Up US Summer Festivals With Headline Performances

The festival continues to position Nigeria as an emerging hub for animation while creating pathways for local talent to connect with opportunities across the global creative industry.

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

1 week ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.