The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has unveiled the programme for its 15th edition, featuring 130 films in a showcase aimed at celebrating African storytelling, promoting emerging filmmakers and strengthening the continent’s position in the global film industry.
The festival, which has become an important platform for African cinema, is expected to attract filmmakers, actors, producers, distributors and other creative industry stakeholders for a series of screenings, discussions and networking activities.
The selection of 130 films underscores the growing diversity of African filmmaking, with productions exploring different themes, including identity, culture, social change, family relationships and contemporary realities across the continent.
The 15th edition is also expected to provide opportunities for filmmakers to connect with international audiences and industry professionals, helping them explore potential partnerships, distribution agreements and funding opportunities.
AFRIFF has consistently sought to bridge the gap between African filmmakers and the international film market by providing a platform where local productions can gain wider visibility. Its annual gathering has also contributed to conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing the continent’s creative economy.
Beyond film screenings, the festival programme is expected to create opportunities for professional engagement, knowledge sharing and conversations about the future of cinema in Africa.
Industry observers have increasingly pointed to the importance of film festivals in supporting independent filmmakers, particularly those seeking to attract investors and reach audiences beyond their home countries.
With African films gaining greater international attention through streaming platforms and global festivals, AFRIFF’s latest edition comes at a time when the continent’s film industry is seeking stronger distribution networks, sustainable financing and improved technical capacity.
Nigeria, home to Nollywood, remains a major contributor to African film production.
The industry has built a substantial audience across Africa and among international diaspora communities, although filmmakers continue to face challenges involving production costs, piracy, limited cinema access and distribution.
The festival’s 130-film lineup is therefore expected to provide a platform for creative exchange while highlighting the range of stories being told by filmmakers from Africa and beyond.
For emerging talents, participation in the festival could offer valuable exposure, professional contacts and opportunities to learn from established practitioners.
As AFRIFF marks its 15th edition, the festival continues to position itself as a meeting point for African creativity and international cinema, with this year’s programme placing a spotlight on the filmmakers and stories shaping the future of the industry.
