Nigerian filmmaker and cinematographer, Oluwatosin Joshua Dara, has received the Creative Industry Icon Award at the 39th International Conference and 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists (SONTA).
Factual Naija News reports that the conference took place at Lead City University, Ibadan, from August 18 to 21, 2026, under the theme, “African Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Performance, Film and Sustainable Futures.”
Tosin Dara, the CEO and Creative Director of Ibumedia, was recognised for his contributions to filmmaking, cinematography, multimedia storytelling and the Nigerian creative industry.
He has spent more than a decade working across different areas of visual production, including cinematography, documentary filmmaking, film editing, multimedia production and creative direction.
His professional engagements have included documentary projects across Africa and participation in international initiatives such as the United Nations Youth Climate Change Video Project. He has also contributed to capacity building in multimedia storytelling for journalists.
Beyond his achievements in multimedia production, the new recognition appears to be strengthening Tosin Dara’s resolve to take a more active position in film production.
The filmmaker is now looking towards expanding More Brains Film, his existing film-focused venture, with greater attention expected to be placed on actual film production and the development of screen-based storytelling projects.
The move will allow Tosin Dara to build on his existing cinematography and production experience while exploring a wider role as a filmmaker and producer.
The direction also mirrors the central theme of the 2026 SONTA conference, which examined the relationship between African indigenous knowledge, performance, film and sustainable creative futures.
Tosin Dara has expressed appreciation to the organisers, particularly the Department of Performing Arts, Music & Film Studies, Lead City University, and the Local Organising Committee Chairman, Dr. Adebayo Badeji, for the recognition.
The award adds another milestone to the career of the filmmaker and entrepreneur, while positioning him for a potentially more significant role in Nigeria’s film production landscape.
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