Your complete guide to eligibility, requirements and the official submission

The Nigerian Cinema Awards (NCAs) is a national celebration of cinematic excellence, honoring the films, performances, and creative achievements that define the Nigerian film industry. Submitting your work for consideration is the first step toward recognition on one of the country’s most prestigious creative platforms.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know—eligibility, required materials, timelines and the exact steps to submit smoothly and professionally.

Who Can Submit?

The NCAs welcomes submissions from every corner of the filmmaking ecosystem. You can submit if you are:

  • A film producer
  • A director
  • A production company
  • A distributor
  • A cinema chain (for cinema categories)
  • A marketing/PR agency responsible for a film campaign
  • A rights holder acting on behalf of a film

Public submissions are allowed for both audience-based and jury-based categories.
Invited films may also be entered directly by the NCAs committee.

Eligibility Requirements

To ensure fairness and consistency, all entries must meet the following eligibility rules:

1. Release Window

Your film must have been released, screened or publicly exhibited between: 1 August previous year and 31 August present year.

2. Where Films Must Have Been Shown

  • Cinematic release in Nigeria
  • Official premiere events
  • Festival screenings
  • Limited screenings at accredited venues
  • Distribution through approved Nigerian exhibition partners

3. Accepted Formats

  • Feature films
  • Short films
  • Documentary features
  • Documentary shorts
  • Animated films
  • Trailers, posters and PR/marketing campaigns (for specialized categories)

4. Geographic Eligibility

  • Nigerian productions
  • Nigerian co-productions
  • Films by Nigerian filmmakers shot abroad
  • Diaspora films that prominently feature Nigerian talent or storytelling

Categories You Can Submit To

The NCAs feature a broad range of categories across performance, craft, storytelling, distribution and marketing.

Jury-Based Categories include:

  • Best Director
  • Best Actor / Best Actress
  • Best Cinematography
  • Best Editing
  • Best Screenplay
  • Best Lighting
  • Best Sound Design
  • Best Original Song/Score
  • Best Indigenous Film
  • Best Makeup & Hairstyling
  • Best Costume Design
  • Best Film Distribution Company
  • Lifetime Achievement Award

Audience-Based Categories include:

  • Best Nollywood Movie
  • Best Cinema (Location)
  • Best Cinema (Chain)
  • Best Premiere
  • Best Trailer
  • Best Film Poster
  • Best Cast
  • Best Movie Scene

You may submit to multiple categories as long as your work meets category criteria.

Materials You Need Before Submitting

1. Film Screener

High-quality export

Secure online link preferred

Password protected or downloadable (if required)

2. Film Trailer

For categories involving trailers or marketing.

3. Key Artwork

Poster design in high resolution

Additional promotional banners (optional)

4. Credits List Including:

Director

Cast

Writers

Producers

Cinematographer

Editor

Sound and lighting teams

Music contributors

Additional promotional banners (optional)

5. Logline & Synopsis

Logline (one sentence)

Synopsis (short paragraph)

6. Marketing/PR Materials (if applicable)

Press kits, strategy documents, campaign samples or audience engagement reports.

7. Box Office Data (if applicable)

For categories that measure commercial success.

Having these ready ensures a smooth submission process.

How to Submit Your Film — Step-by-Step

Step 1: Visit the NCAs Submission Portal

Go to the official website and navigate to the “Submit Your Film” page.

Step 2: Create an Account

Register with your name, email and production or company details.

Step 3: Select the Category

Choose the category or categories that best fit your work.

Step 4: Complete the Submission Form

Provide accurate information, including release dates and screening history.

Step 5: Upload Required Materials

Attach your screener, artwork, trailer and credits as required.

Step 6: Pay Submission Fee (Where Applicable)

Some categories may require a submission fee. Waivers may apply to invited entries.

Step 7: Receive Confirmation

You will receive an automated confirmation email summarizing your entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit more than one film?

Yes. You may submit multiple films or materials, each with its own entry.

Can I update my submission after sending it?

Updates may be allowed before judging begins. Contact the NCAs team for assistance.

Are rough cuts accepted?

No. Only completed films are accepted.

Can my film qualify if it only screened at festivals?

Yes, as long as it screened during the eligible window.

Submitting your work to the Nigerian Cinema Awards is an opportunity to showcase your talent, celebrate your team and earn recognition from audiences and respected industry professionals. Whether you are a first-time filmmaker or an established studio, your story deserves a platform.

Submit your film today and be part of a new tradition in Nigerian cinema.

Submit your film