Entertainments
AFRIFF 2026 UNVEILS PROGRAMME FOR 15TH EDITION, CELEBRATING AFRICA’S CREATIVE INTELLIGENCE
The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has unveiled the programme for its 15th edition, scheduled to hold in Lagos, Nigeria, from November 1st–7th, 2026.
Under the theme “Frames of the Future: Africa’s Creative Intelligence,” this year’s festival celebrates the imagination, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit shaping the future of African cinema and the wider creative industry.
The 2026 edition explores how African storytellers are redefining narratives, embracing emerging technologies and creative formats, and developing innovative business models to finance, produce, and distribute their work. Spanning film screenings, industry conversations, masterclasses, networking opportunities, and the Africa Film & Content Market (AFCM), AFRIFF seeks to amplify African voices, unlock new opportunities, and strengthen the continent’s position in global storytelling.
A VISION FOR AFRICAN CINEMA
Chioma Ude, AFRIFF Founder and Festival Director, stated: “African cinema is entering an exciting new chapter, driven not only by the power of our stories but also by the intelligence, innovation, and enterprise behind them. With ‘Frames of the Future: Africa’s Creative Intelligence,’ we are celebrating the people reimagining how African stories are created, financed, experienced, and shared with the world.
AFRIFF 2026 is designed to inspire new possibilities, encourage meaningful industry connections, and help translate Africa’s creative potential into sustainable opportunities.”
As AFRIFF marks its 15th edition, Ude’s remarks provide an opportunity to reflect on the festival’s journey and its continuing role in championing African storytelling, developing industry connections, and creating pathways for filmmakers to reach audiences and markets around the world.
*GOVERNMENT SUPPORT & ADVOCACY*
Representing the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Dr. Shuaibu Husseini, Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the growth of Nigeria’s creative industries through policies that strengthen technology, distribution, and infrastructure.
He described AFRIFF’s 15-year journey as a testament to the power of African storytelling and its potential to drive economic growth, connecting local creative talent with global audiences. Commending founder Chioma Ude for sustaining the festival and championing capacity building through the AFRIFF Academy, he assured the festival of the Ministry’s continued partnership and institutional support while urging the media to help bring African stories to global audiences.
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE
The festival’s international outlook was reflected in remarks from diplomatic representatives, highlighting cinema’s ability to connect cultures and foster cross-border collaboration.
• United States:
U.S. Consul General Brandon Hudspeth noted that the U.S. Mission in Nigeria is proud to support AFRIFF for the 11th consecutive year. He announced the participation of two U.S. film envoys, Angel Kristi Williams and Charles Kirby, who will lead weeklong workshops for emerging Nigerian filmmakers on directing and cinematography.
“Our goal is to give Nigerian creatives the tools and connections to shape their own future and do business with American platforms, studios, and investors,” Consul General Hudspeth added.
• Brazil:
Brazilian Consul General Ronaldo Lima Vieria highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and international collaboration in strengthening the film industry, recognizing cinema’s power to connect countries, cultures, and audiences.
• France:
Consul General of France in Lagos Laurent Favier highlighted the role of international alliances and co-productions in helping national film industries adapt to changing market conditions while retaining their distinctive creative identities.
“International co-productions offer an opportunity to express our distinctive identities and to create new shared imaginaries,” Favier said.
He pointed to the Lumière Summit (launched by French President Emmanuel Macron) as a key initiative for international alliances. Favier described AFRIFF as a leading partner in French-Nigerian cultural cooperation, revealing that four French-Nigerian feature-film co-productions are currently in development across fiction, animation, and documentary series. He reaffirmed France’s support for a professional delegation attending AFRIFF 2026.
A DYNAMIC OFFICIAL SELECTION
The 2026 official selection features 130 films from across Africa and the international community. Spanning feature films, documentaries, short films, and other cinematic forms, the selection offers a rich exploration of contemporary storytelling and cultural identity.
• Opening Film: LADY (Directed by Olive Nwosu)
* Synopsis: The feature debut of Nigerian filmmaker Olive Nwosu, set in Lagos, follows a young taxi driver transporting sex workers on their nightly rounds, including a childhood friend she hasn’t seen in years. As their journeys unfold, she confronts past memories, prejudices, and complex realities.
• Closing Film: IT’S THE BLACKNESS (Directed by Hakeem Kae-Kazim)
o Synopsis: The feature directorial debut of actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim, produced by Dapo Oshiyemi. A black comedy-drama with romantic elements following friends Eniola and Jordan navigating personal, family, and immigration challenges in pursuit of their future.
• Full Programme: Available at https://afriff.com/program
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
• Global Cinema & Diplomatic Showcases:
o Sentimental Value (Norway) – Directed by Joachim Trier (presented in association with the Norwegian Embassy).
o The Traitor (Italy) – Directed by Marco Bellocchio (presented by the Italian Embassy).
• Star Presentations:
o If I Go Will They Miss Me – Featuring special guest Danielle Brooks (directed by Walter Thompson-Hernández).
o Calabash – Short film presented by AFRIFF Guest of Honour, Hollywood actor Djimon Hounsou.
• Short-Form Storytelling:
o The Spectacular Death of Prisca – Directed by Kaelo Iyizoba (a surreal quest blending melodrama with a tribute to classic Nollywood).
o A Tray of Locust Beans – Produced by Joke Silva’s Lufodo Productions.
WOMEN AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE PROGRAMME
A defining characteristic of AFRIFF 2026 is the prominence of female-centered coming-of-age narratives and female creative leadership.
Festival Convener Chioma Ude remarked: “This year, thinking about the theme, ‘Frames of the Future,’ I thought about the prevalence of AI and technology, and I was not sure what would become of film. But six days ago, after the programmers were done selecting titles for AFRIFF this year, I noticed that 85% of the feature films were either directed by women, produced by women, or had a storyline centered around a woman! So while we are here thinking of the future being about AI and technology, it is actually going to be about women!”
THE AFRICA FILM & CONTENT MARKET (AFCM) RETURNS BIGGER!
Running from November 2–5, 2026 at Twinwaters, Lekki, Lagos, the second edition of the Africa Film & Content Market (AFCM) connects creators with capital, buyers, distributors, and streaming platforms.
Chioma Ude explained: “AFCM was created because African creators need more than visibility. They need access to capital, buyers, distributors, partners, and markets. This year, AFCM is focused on building the frameworks that allow African stories to be financed, licensed, distributed, and sustained.”
• Participating Delegations: Over 10 countries including Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Sweden, France, Oman, the United States, and Canada.
• Industry Partners: Global giants including MTN, Dentsu, CNN, Filmhouse Group, Lamart, and others.
• Free Access Initiative: Thanks to the generosity of The Obi Adada Foundation, all screening tickets for attendees, young creatives, and film enthusiasts will be covered for free.
ABOUT AFRIFF
Founded in 2010 by Chioma Ude, the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is an annual celebration of African and international cinema held in Lagos, Nigeria. Over 15 editions, AFRIFF has developed into a premier platform bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, and global stakeholders to celebrate artistic excellence, nurture emerging talent, and expand global pathways for African narratives.