Nigerian filmmaker, actor, and director, Dr Oluchukwu Iheonunekwu, popularly known as Donald Iheonunekwu, has earned international recognition after his film A Trip to Kigali won the Best Narrative Feature award at the TAFF International Film Festival in Dallas, United States.
The award-winning production also secured the Best Actress award at the 2026 edition of the festival, marking a major milestone for the Nigerian creative industry on the global stage.
Speaking after the recognition, Iheonunekwu said the film was inspired by a personal experience during a visit to Rwanda, where he encountered stereotypes about young Igbo men that he traced to misrepresentations in some film narratives.
Rather than ignore the experience, he said he chose to turn it into a cinematic story aimed at challenging prejudice, encouraging dialogue and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
The film, shot across Lagos, Nigeria, and Kigali, Rwanda, has been praised for its storytelling depth and strong cultural message, with international audiences commending its portrayal of identity and perception.
Iheonunekwu, who served as actor, co-director and producer on the project, worked alongside MOBTV Studios and Onic Entertainment, with support from Nigerian-American entertainment executive Joe Ugonna.
He has previously gained recognition for his documentary Journey to Igbo Civilisation, which won Best Documentary at the Abuja International Film Festival in 2022 and at VILLAFEST in 2023.
Reflecting on his work, Iheonunekwu said film remains a powerful tool not only for entertainment but also for reshaping narratives, preserving culture and challenging stereotypes.
His latest achievement added to growing global attention on Nollywood, reinforcing the expanding influence of African storytelling in international cinema.
