By 
March 16 – 03, 2025
From Nollywood’s vibrant spirit to AfroBeats vibes, join the ultimate film fest fusion!
The NollywoodWeek Film Festival (NOW) is more than just a cinematic event, it’s a cultural movement that has been lighting up Paris since its inception in 2013. Founded by film enthusiasts and curators Nadira Shakur and Serge Noukoue, NOW emerged from a simple yet powerful observation: despite Paris being a global epicenter of film, there was a glaring absence of festivals celebrating Nollywood, the world’s second-largest film industry by volume, and the diverse Black communities across France and Europe.
Shakur and Noukoue set out to fill this gap, driven by a passion to spotlight stories resonating with Europe’s large and vibrant Black diaspora. Nollywood, known for its prolific output and dynamic storytelling, was the perfect starting point. But their vision went beyond Nigeria’s borders. They aimed to create a platform that bridged the divide between Francophone and Anglophone Africa, uniting filmmakers and audiences from across the continent under one roof.
Launched in 2013, NollywoodWeek was a bold statement: it was time to give recognition where recognition was due. Paris, with its rich cinematic heritage, became the stage for a festival that celebrated the energy, creativity, and resilience of African cinema, with Nollywood at its heart.
Fast forward to today, and NollywoodWeek has grown into a beloved annual tradition. Over the past decade, NOW has stayed true to its mission, evolving into a festival that not only showcases Nigerian films but also embraces the broader Nollywood spirit, a spirit defined by bold narratives, cultural pride, and an unrelenting drive to entertain and inspire. From Lagos to Dakar, the festival curates a lineup that reflects the diversity and dynamism of African storytelling.
What sets NOW apart is its ability to delight audiences while fostering connection. It’s a space where filmmakers from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds can share their work, where attendees can discover new perspectives, and where the joy of cinema becomes a shared experience. Whether it’s a hard-hitting drama, a colorful comedy, or an experimental gem, the films at NollywoodWeek embody the vibrancy that has made Nollywood a global phenomenon.
Why NOW Matters?
NollywoodWeek isn’t just a festival, it’s a celebration of identity, creativity, and community. For the Black diaspora in Europe and beyond, it’s a rare chance to see their stories reflected on screen in a city renowned for its cinematic legacy. For filmmakers, it’s a platform to gain international exposure and connect with peers. And for audiences, it’s an invitation to be entertained, moved, and enlightened.
As NOW prepares for its next edition in Paris from May 7-11, 2025, it continues to build on its legacy of bridging cultures and amplifying African voices. What started as a dream in 2013 has become a cornerstone of the global film scene, proving that when it comes to storytelling, Nollywood and Africa have so much more to say.
