The global film scene is buzzing with significant announcements, from a major European festival appointment to updates on Africa's Oscar journey and a call for entries from a growing Nigerian festival.
Wim Wenders to Preside Over Berlinale 2026 International Jury
The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) has made a landmark appointment for its 76th edition. Celebrated German filmmaker Wim Wenders will serve as the President of the International Jury. The festival's director, Tricia Tuttle, expressed immense pride, highlighting Wenders' six-decade career and his profound influence on international cinema through works that explore humanity and connection.
Wenders, known for recent acclaimed films like the Oscar-nominated Perfect Days (2023) and the documentary Anselm (2023), accepted the role with enthusiasm. He described the opportunity to watch every film in the Competition and engage in deep discussions with fellow jurors as a rare and exciting new experience.
A pivotal figure in the New German Cinema movement, Wenders' early works such as Alice in the Cities (1974) reshaped film language. His connection to the Berlinale is deep, having premiered films like the 3D dance documentary Pina there and receiving the festival's Honorary Golden Bear in 2016. The 76th Berlinale runs from February 12 to 22, 2026, with the jury awarding the Golden and Silver Bears on February 21.
Oscars 2026: Tunisia's Entry Advances, Nigeria's Hopes Deferred
In Oscar-related news, the shortlist for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards has brought mixed fortunes for African cinema. Tunisia's official entry, The Voice of Hind Rajab by Oscar-nominated director Kaouther Ben Hania, has successfully made the shortlist. It stands as the only film from an African country to advance this year.
The film powerfully documents the tragic story of six-year-old Hind Rajab, who was killed in Gaza in January 2024. Ben Hania stated that the shortlisting is a profound recognition of Hind's voice and her plea to the world.
Meanwhile, Nigeria's hopes for this Oscar cycle have been paused. My Father's Shadow, directed by Akinola Davies Jnr—which was Nigeria's first film in competition at the 2025 Cannes Festival but was submitted for the Oscars by the United Kingdom—did not make the final shortlist. The five official nominees will be announced on January 18, 2026.
Coal City Film Festival 2026 Announces Call for Entries
Shifting focus to the Nigerian film circuit, the Coal City Film Festival has officially opened submissions for its 6th edition. Scheduled for March 26 to 28, 2026, the festival adopts the theme 'Local Stories. Global Screens'.
Founder Uche Agbo announced via the festival's social media that they are seeking authentic, powerful, and boundary-breaking stories from filmmakers worldwide. The late bird submission deadline is December 31, 2025. Filmmakers can submit their work through the FilmFreeway platform.
This call reinforces the festival's role in showcasing diverse narratives and connecting Enugu's creative hub with the global film community.
