Toronto played host to one of Nollywood’s defining international moments this year. At the 2025 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival, filmmaker Nehita Ofure Irieme captured the spotlight as her short film In Her Shoes won the award for Best Short Film in the Nollywood category.
It was an evening of glamour and cultural pride, drawing some of Nollywood’s most recognizable figures, including Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, and veteran comedian and actor Julius Agwu. Yet, it was Nehita’s triumph that resonated most deeply, signaling the rise of a new generation of Nigerian filmmakers whose voices are shaping global conversations.
A Filmmaker with Vision
Nehita Ofure Irieme’s journey mirrors Nollywood’s transformation from quantity-driven productions to a new era defined by quality, depth, and global ambition. Her work has quickly become synonymous with emotional authenticity, bold storytelling, and visually compelling narratives.
“I have always believed cinema is more than entertainment,” Nehita reflected after receiving her award. “It is a mirror and a bridge. Through stories, we see ourselves, and we also learn to walk in the shoes of others. That is what In Her Shoes is about.”
The Power of In Her Shoes
The film has attracted acclaim for its ability to humanize complex issues while connecting with audiences across cultural lines. Through its exploration of empathy, gender, and resilience, In Her Shoes transcends borders. Festival critics praised its originality and emotional impact, calling it a deeply human story with universal resonance.
AY praised her achievement, noting that Nehita’s storytelling represents the future of Nollywood: “She is not only telling a Nigerian story, she is telling a global story with a Nigerian voice.” Julius Agwu added, “Her success reminds us that Nollywood is capable of competing on the world stage.”
Nollywood’s Global Moment
The Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival has evolved into a premier platform for African cinema. Each year, it introduces African filmmakers to audiences across North America and beyond. Nehita’s victory is not only a personal milestone but also part of a broader shift positioning Nollywood as a globally competitive industry capable of producing films that inspire and resonate universally.
Her success reflects a larger movement in Nollywood toward authentic stories with global appeal. These filmmakers are ensuring that Nollywood is no longer only prolific but also a serious cultural force.
A Journey Just Beginning
For Nehita, this award is not the culmination but the beginning of a larger vision. “My dream has always been to tell stories that matter,” she explained. “Winning this award encourages me to keep pushing, to keep telling stories that inspire empathy and change. In Her Shoes is just the beginning.”
The Woman Behind the Vision
Nehita Ofure Irieme, widely known as Queen Nehita, is a multi-talented filmmaker, director, actor, producer, presenter, model, and entrepreneur. From a young age, she nurtured a passion for the arts that led her into both filmmaking and modeling. She began her modeling career in 2013 and went on to win the Miss Ideal Nigeria crown.
Her debut short film In Her Shoes has earned widespread recognition, with nominations and awards at prestigious festivals including the African International Film Festival, the Cambridge Short Film Festival, and the Los Angeles Movie Awards 2025, where she won Best Director in the short film category.
Beyond the screen, Nehita is a committed humanitarian. As a pageant queen, she has used her platform to champion social causes, founding the “Know Your Art Initiative,” an organization dedicated to empowering women and creating community impact. Her work earned her a nomination at the Nigeria Women Achievers Awards 2025 as Humanitarian Queen of the Year, and recognition at the Young Achievers Africa Awards as Best Young Achiever Beauty Queen in Action. She is also the CEO of NOI Productions Limited, where she continues to create impactful projects that merge creativity with social purpose.
Looking Ahead
Nehita Ofure Irieme represents a new era of Nollywood, one where African filmmakers are not only telling stories rooted in cultural authenticity but are also shaping narratives that the world cannot ignore. With her recent international win, she has proven that Nollywood’s influence is growing, its stories are expanding, and its future is brighter than ever.