Rotimi Salami’s Kilanko: The Invincible Child has won its first international award, taking home the Best African Indigenous Film honour at the 2026 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) in Canada.
The journey of Kilanko: The Invincible Child has reached another remarkable milestone as the Nigerian film celebrates its first international award in Toronto, Canada.
The film, associated with Nollywood actor and filmmaker Rotimi Salami, was recognised with the Best African Indigenous Film award at the 2026 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF), marking a significant moment for the production and everyone connected to its story.
The award comes shortly after Kilanko made its international screening appearance in Toronto, where audiences had the opportunity to experience the film beyond Nigeria. The Toronto screening was held at the Fairview Library Theatre, giving the film an opportunity to connect with Nigerian and African audiences in the diaspora.
A Proud Moment for African Storytelling
For Kilanko, the recognition is more than an award. It represents the growing appreciation for African stories, indigenous culture and films that bring local experiences to international audiences.
TINFF 2026 brought together filmmakers, actors, creatives and industry professionals from different parts of the world. The festival’s programme highlighted diverse cinema and created opportunities for African filmmakers and storytellers to connect with wider international audiences.
Winning Best African Indigenous Film therefore adds another important chapter to the journey of Kilanko: The Invincible Child.
For Rotimi Salami, the achievement also adds to the growing international recognition surrounding the film. Earlier in the festival journey, Kilanko received a nomination in the same category, building anticipation ahead of the awards.
From Nigeria to Toronto
The Toronto experience was an important part of Kilanko’s international journey. Taking the film to Canada created an opportunity to share an African story with audiences outside Nigeria while also placing the production within an international film festival environment.
The success also demonstrates the potential of Nigerian films to travel beyond the local market and connect with audiences who value authentic African storytelling.
For everyone behind Kilanko: The Invincible Child, the Toronto award is a moment to celebrate — but also a reminder of what can happen when African stories are given the opportunity to reach the world.
The Journey Continues
With its first international award now secured in Toronto, the journey of Kilanko: The Invincible Child continues with even greater momentum.
The achievement is a proud moment for Rotimi Salami and Allwell Ademola, the cast and crew, and everyone who contributed to bringing the story to life.
From Nigeria to Canada, Kilanko has shown that a story rooted in African identity can cross borders, connect with audiences and earn recognition on an international platform.
Congratulations to the entire team behind Kilanko: The Invincible Child on this remarkable achievement.
The journey has begun. The recognition is growing. And this is only the beginning.
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Read More: Rotimi Salami’s KILANKO: The Invincible Child Heads to Canada and the United States
