Nollywood political thriller The Specialists has been officially selected for the 2026 International Black and Diversity Film Festival (IBDFF) in Canada, earning seven award nominations before its worldwide release. The announcement was made by Paulgold Joseph, founder of AFRIGOS Film Studios and producer of the film.
A Statement of Global Intent
Joseph described the IBDFF recognition as validation of the production's core ambition: to craft a powerful African story capable of resonating with international audiences. "This recognition in Canada is a strong validation of that vision, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead," he said. He added that the film is currently in discussions for international distribution, sales representation, and strategic partnerships spanning theatrical, streaming, and television platforms.
Behind the Production
Directed and produced by Joseph, The Specialists is a political crime thriller that interrogates themes of power, loyalty, corruption, and the human cost of political control. The film was produced in collaboration with El-Sueno Films and involved advanced filming technologies, with post-production carried out across Nigeria, Turkey, and the United States. The screenplay was written by Emil Garuba — known for Lionheart, 4th Republic, and Road to Yesterday — in collaboration with his brother Echobu Garuba.
Star-Studded Cast
The film features a roster of established Nollywood talent, including:
- Sam Dede
- Bimbo Akintola
- Francis Duru
- Baaj Adebule
Joseph said the milestone reinforces AFRIGOS Films' standing as a production house committed to delivering commercially viable and globally competitive African content.
About the IBDFF
Now in its sixth edition, the International Black and Diversity Film Festival showcases independent films by Black filmmakers, productions featuring Black actors in key roles, and projects exploring Black realities worldwide. The festival promotes cultural diversity through screenings, panel discussions, and an awards gala. The 2026 edition is scheduled to run from April 17 to 19 in Ajax, Ontario, Canada.
