Nigerian filmmaker, actor and producer Dr. Oluchukwu Iheonunekwu, popularly known as Donald Iheonunekwu, has received international recognition after his feature film, A Trip to Kigali, won the Best Narrative Feature award at the TAFF International Film Festival in Dallas, Texas, United States.
The award-winning film was honoured for its compelling storytelling and its exploration of cultural stereotypes, further cementing Nollywood’s growing presence on the global stage.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the project, Iheonunekwu said the film was born out of a personal experience during his first visit to Rwanda, where he encountered stereotypes about young Igbo men influenced by portrayals in some Nollywood productions.
Rather than ignore the experience, he said he chose to turn it into a story that challenges prejudice, promotes dialogue and encourages greater cultural understanding.
Shot in Lagos, Nigeria, and Kigali, Rwanda, A Trip to Kigali has earned international acclaim for its cross-cultural message and engaging narrative. In addition to winning Best Narrative Feature, the production also secured the Best Actress 2026 award at the festival.
Iheonunekwu served as an actor, co-director and producer on the film, which was jointly produced by MOBTV Studios and Onic Entertainment. The project also received support from Nigerian-American entertainment executive Joe Ugonna, whose efforts have focused on promoting African storytelling and expanding the international reach of Nigerian films.
A native of Abia State, Iheonunekwu has built a reputation for producing films that celebrate African history, culture and identity.
His documentary, Journey to Igbo Civilisation, won the Best Documentary award at the Abuja International Film Festival in 2022 before receiving another top honour at VILLAFEST in 2023.
Reflecting on the role of cinema in shaping public perception, Iheonunekwu said film has the power to influence society beyond entertainment.
“A film can do more than entertain; it can challenge stereotypes, preserve culture and reshape global perceptions,” he said.
The latest recognition highlights the increasing global acceptance of Nollywood productions and underscores the growing role of African filmmakers in using cinema to promote authentic narratives, bridge cultural divides and reshape perceptions of the continent.
