Viyon Awhanse:
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY : Award-winning Filmmaker, Economist, and Founder/CEO/Festival Director of the Badagry International Film Cultural & Sports Festival (BIFIF). A premier production executive with a career defined by high-stakes storytelling and international collaborations across Netflix, CNN, ZDF (Germany), and MultiChoice. With a portfolio spanning nearly 2,000 episodes of premium television, Viyon bridges local African narratives with global cinematic standards, having contributed to projects recognized at Cannes, Sundance, and BAFTA.
ABOUT: A filmmaker and media consultant dedicated to bridging the gap between Nollywood’s vibrant energy and the global cinematic stage. With over a decade of experience and a portfolio of nearly 1,000 television episodes (including Jemeji, Forbidden and Halita), He specialize in navigating the logistical and creative complexities of high-stakes production in West Africa.
His recent work as a production executive and “fixer” has contributed to historic milestones for Nigerian cinema:
“My Father’s Shadow” (2025/26): Winner of the BAFTA for Outstanding Debut and the first Nigerian film in the Cannes Official Selection (Special Mention, Caméra d’Or).
“Lady” (2026): Premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, winning the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting Ensemble.
Beyond the set, He is the Founder and CEO/Festival Director of the Badagry International Film Cultural and Sports Festival (BIFIF). His mission is to transform Badagry into a premier cultural and cinematic hub, leveraging film to drive tourism, youth empowerment, and cross-border collaboration with the neighbours in the Benin Republic and West Africa.
He believes that “good storylines” paired with professional technical standards are the keys to unlocking serious investment in African media.
● Closing Statement: “I work to improve and make an impact on society cinematically. ” — Viyon Awhanse