Inspired
Kaelo Iyizoba Makes History as “The Spectacular Death of Prisca” Earns Honourable Mention at TIFF 2026
Kaelo Iyizoba’s short film “The Spectacular Death of Prisca” made history at TIFF 2026, earning an Honourable Mention in the Best International Short Film category.
Nigerian cinema just secured a major historic moment in Toronto! Filmmaker Kaelo Iyizoba has officially put Nollywood on the jury scoreboard at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). His whimsical short film, The Spectacular Death of Prisca, was awarded an Honourable Mention in the Best International Short Film category by the Short Cuts jury on 20 September 2026.
This recognition marks the very first time a Nigerian film has been recognised by a jury in the history of the Toronto International Film Festival. Standing out as the only African title named among TIFF’s 2026 award recipients and runners-up, the project—starring and executive produced by Nollywood icon Rita Dominic alongside Genoveva Umeh, Fae Olumide, and Shamz Garuba—brought a fresh, unapologetic taste of old Nollywood storytelling to global screens.
The narrative centers on an overprotective mother who finds herself catapulted into...