A short film exploring Yoruba facial marking, known as ila, takes home Africa’s Best Independent Film 2026.
Òkola, a short film that showcases African culture, particularly the Yoruba culture of ila, won Africa’s Best Independent Film 2026, the highest honour at the All African Independent Film Festival (AAIFF Africa). The festival was held from October 15 to 17, 2026, at the French Institute of Rwanda in Kigali.
The film highlights an aspect of Yoruba culture that some audiences may not know. Directed by Paul Lasisi, produced by Adebisi Quadri Olaoluwa, and written by Oluwamurewa Makinde, Òkola follows a young woman whose facial scar makes her a target of bullying from childhood to adulthood. The discrimination hinders her from realising her dream. Without giving up, she embarks on a journey to uncover the mark’s origins, setting herself on a path that reveals her true destiny.
Òkola stars Tarila Barclays, Elijah Oluwafemi, Omoniinioluwa Maggie and Iheukwumere Benjamin, among others.
AAIFF Africa is part of the ÉCU Film Festival Group, which consists of four festivals: The European Independent Film Festival (ECU), The All Asian Independent Film Festival (AAIFF Asia), The All Americas’ Independent Film Festival (AAIFF Americas), and The All African Independent Film Festival (AAIFF Africa).
