Nigerian filmmaker Dika Ofoma’s project Kachifo (Till the Morning Comes) made a strong impact at the 2025 Locarno Film Festival’s Open Doors programme, earning three major prizes.

On August 12, the film was awarded the CHF 20,000 Open Doors Grant (shared with two other films), the €6,000 ARTEKino International Award, and the Sørfond Award, which includes an invitation to pitch in Oslo later this year.

Produced by Blessing Uzzi of Bluehouse Studios, Kachifo tells the story of two lovers fighting for their relationship across lifetimes, challenged by cultural and religious resistance in a society where same-sex love is still condemned. The jury described the film as “poetic” and “narratively ambitious,” praising Ofoma’s determination to tackle a difficult subject.

Ofoma said the recognition proves Nigerian stories can resonate beyond their borders: “It shows that narratives rooted in our culture can connect with audiences anywhere.”

Other African projects also received support. Zimbabwe’s Black Snake by Naishe Nyamubaya took CHF 25,000 for its exploration of folklore and rebellion. Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso’s Diary of a Goat Woman by Azata Soro received CHF 5,000 for its feminist take on rural survival. Erickey Bahati’s Les Bilokos (The Bilokos), from DR Congo and France, won the €8,000 CNC Development Grant for its story about ex-child soldiers.

The 2025 awards underline Locarno’s commitment to spotlighting African filmmakers, with Kachifo marking a major step forward for Nigerian cinema.