Preserve Heritage
Use film, performance and cultural experiences to keep Badagry’s history and living traditions visible for future generations.
Film meets nature and tourism
Stories rooted in
place and culture.
BIFIF is an annual celebration of film, culture and sport that connects Badagry’s remarkable heritage with African creative expression and the world.
Our story
A festival born from Badagry
Launched in 2023, the Badagry International Film, Cultural and Sports Festival was created to celebrate the town’s historical significance, living culture and creative potential. It brings filmmakers, artists, cultural practitioners, sports participants and visitors together through screenings, performances, learning and shared experiences.
From traditional expressions such as the Sato Drum experience to contemporary African cinema, BIFIF creates a meeting point between heritage and new ideas. The festival gives independent storytellers a stage, encourages cultural exchange and invites audiences to experience Badagry beyond the history books.
More than an annual gathering, BIFIF is a platform for talent development, tourism and local enterprise—using creativity to build opportunity while preserving the stories and traditions that make the region distinctive.
Our vision
African heritage, preserved and globally valued
To build a globally recognised African institution that preserves culture and advances literacy, learning and participation across the arts and humanities.
Our mission
A stage for Black creative genius
To present the breadth of Black creative excellence, strengthen positive narratives about Africans and people of African descent, and create meaningful connections through film, culture and sport.
Badagry, Lagos State
A historic coastal town where heritage, nature and contemporary creativity meet.
Why Badagry
A destination with stories to tell
Badagry is one of Nigeria’s most historically significant coastal communities. Its landmarks—including Nigeria’s First Storey Building, the Slave Museum and the Point of No Return—hold stories of profound local and global importance.
Beyond its monuments, Badagry is alive with fishing communities, agriculture, music, dance, cuisine and serene Atlantic landscapes. BIFIF brings these dimensions together, positioning the town as a destination for reflection, discovery and creative exchange.
What we work toward
Culture that creates impact
Champion African Stories
Give independent filmmakers and Black creatives a platform to share bold, authentic stories with local and international audiences.
Develop Creative Talent
Equip emerging filmmakers and young creatives with practical skills, mentorship, exposure and pathways into the industry.
Grow Cultural Tourism
Present Badagry’s heritage sites, coastline and creative energy as an essential cultural destination in West Africa.
Create Opportunity
Connect artists, communities, businesses and investors in ways that support enterprise, employment and sustainable local growth.
Our journey so far
A growing creative community
BIFIF has grown from a bold local idea into a gathering that welcomes creative participation from around the world.
2023
Festival launched
3,030+
Film submissions received worldwide
2,000+
Attendees hosted across editions
Global
Participation from Africa and the diaspora
Built for community
Building the next generation of African creatives
Through the BIFIF Academy and wider festival programmes, emerging creatives gain exposure to filmmaking, writing, production, costume, makeup, camera, art direction, location work and other pathways across the creative economy.
BIFIF is a CAC-registered organisation, a member of the Nigeria Film Festival Association, and is powered by Gbagi Communications Limited.