African cinema takes centre stage in Lagos this November as the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) unveils the programme for its 15th edition, running from 1st to 7th November 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 film and the wider creative industry.
The 2026 edition explores how African storytellers are redefining narratives, embracing emerging technologies and new creative formats, and building innovative business models to finance, produce and distribute their work. With film screenings, industry conversations, masterclasses, networking sessions and the Africa Film & Content Market (AFCM), AFRIFF aims to amplify African voices, unlock new opportunities and strengthen the continent’s place in global storytelling.
Best of all, attendees can watch the films for free. The Obi Adada Foundation has generously covered the cost of screening tickets for all attendees, in line with AFRIFF’s commitment to giving young creatives, filmmakers and festival-goers across the continent free access to the programme.
A Vision for the Future of African Cinema
AFRIFF founder and festival director Chioma Ude said:
“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 the festival marks 15 years, the milestone offers a moment to reflect on its journey and its continuing role in championing African storytelling, building industry connections and creating pathways for filmmakers to reach audiences and markets around the world.
Federal Government Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s Creative Industry
Representing the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Mr Shuaib Hussein, Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to growing 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 by connecting local talent with global audiences. He also commended Chioma Ude for sustaining the festival and championing capacity building through the AFRIFF Academy. Furthermore, he assured the festival of the Ministry’s continued partnership and urged the media to help carry African stories to audiences worldwide.
International Partnerships and Cultural Exchange
The festival’s international outlook was clear in remarks from diplomatic representatives, who highlighted the role of film in connecting cultures and creating opportunities for collaboration across borders.
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 as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between the American and Nigerian film industries. He announced that two U.S. film envoys, Angel Kristi Williams and Charles Kirby, 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,” Hudspeth added.
Brazil: Brazilian Consul General, Ronaldo Vieria, stressed the importance of cultural exchange and international collaboration in strengthening the film industry, recognising cinema’s ability to connect countries, cultures and audiences.
France: Laurent Favier, Consul General of France in Lagos, highlighted how international alliances and co-productions help national film industries adapt to changing markets while keeping their distinctive creative identities.
“International co-productions offer an opportunity to express our distinctive identities and to create new shared imaginaries,” Favier said.
He noted that France and Nigeria both enjoy strong domestic audiences for local productions, even as market changes over the past decade have reshaped traditional business models. He also pointed to the Lumière Summit, launched by French President Emmanuel Macron, as an initiative for building international alliances across the film sector. Describing AFRIFF as a leading partner in Franco-Nigerian cultural cooperation, Favier revealed that four French-Nigerian feature co-productions are in development, alongside projects in fiction, animation and documentary series. In addition, France will support a professional delegation at AFRIFF 2026 to develop new partnerships.
African Cinema: A Dynamic Official Selection of 130 Films
The 2026 official selection features 130 films, bringing together diverse perspectives, filmmaking traditions and creative voices from across Africa and the international film community. Spanning features, documentaries, short films and other forms, the line-up offers a rich exploration of contemporary storytelling, cultural identity and the ideas shaping the future of African cinema.
From emerging filmmakers to established names, the selection reflects AFRIFF’s commitment to discovering fresh talent. Also, to celebrate artistic excellence and to champion stories that challenge perspectives and resonate across borders. The full programme is available at afriff.com/program.
Opening Film: LADY, Directed by Olive Nwosu
AFRIFF 2026 will open with LADY, the feature debut of Nigerian filmmaker Olive Nwosu. Set against the vibrant, complex backdrop of Lagos, the film follows a young taxi driver hired to transport a group of sex workers on their nightly rounds. Among them is a childhood friend she has not seen in years. As their journeys unfold, she confronts painful memories, personal prejudices and the realities of the women whose lives intersect with hers.
Blending social commentary with an intimate study of friendship, sisterhood and resilience, LADY is a compelling portrait of women living on their own terms in a rapidly changing city. Its selection as the opening feature sets the tone for a festival committed to bold storytelling and fresh perspectives.
Closing Film: It’s the Blackness, Directed by Hakeem Kae-Kazim
Bringing the festival to a close is It’s the Blackness, the feature directorial debut of acclaimed actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim. Produced by Dapo Oshiyemi, the black comedy-drama with elements of romance follows friends Eniola and Jordan as they navigate personal, family and immigration challenges while trying to build a future together. The film explores ambition, friendship and identity, offering a fitting conclusion to a festival that examines the evolving realities of African and diasporic storytelling.
Special Presentations: Global Cinema and Distinguished Guests
Beyond its opening and closing films, the official selection includes a strong slate of special screenings that reflect the festival’s international outlook. Through collaborations with diplomatic missions and the participation of distinguished filmmakers and screen personalities, the programme places African stories in conversation with perspectives from around the world.
- Sentimental Value: The acclaimed, Oscar-winning Norwegian film directed by Joachim Trier, presented in association with the Norwegian Embassy.
- The Traitor: Directed by celebrated Italian filmmaker Marco Bellocchio and presented by the Italian Embassy.
- If I Go Will They Miss Me: Directed by Walter Thompson-Hernández and featuring AFRIFF 2026 special guest, American actress Danielle Brooks, this film explores childhood, family and imagination.
- Calabash: A short film presented by AFRIFF Guest of Honour, Hollywood actor Djimon Hounsou, highlighting growing links between African talent and the global film industry.
- The Spectacular Death of Prisca: Directed by Kaelo Iyizoba, this short follows a mother drawn into a surreal quest to rescue her daughter on her wedding day, blending heightened melodrama with a playful homage to classic Nollywood.
- A Tray of Locust Beans: A short film from veteran Nigerian actress and filmmaker Joke Silva’s Lufodo Productions.
Together, these presentations show the breadth of the 2026 programme, from acclaimed international titles to emerging short-film voices. As a result, they reinforce AFRIFF’s role as a meeting point for cultures, ideas and creative industries.
Women at the Forefront of African Cinema
A defining feature of AFRIFF 2026 is the prominence of female-centred coming-of-age stories in the feature competition. Across the selection, strong female protagonists navigate identity, family, belonging, ambition and personal transformation, offering nuanced perspectives on the lives of women and girls in changing societies.
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 the films to be screened at AFRIFF this year, I noticed that 85% of the feature films were either directed by women, produced by women or the storyline is about 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 prominence of these stories is matched by the vision of women filmmakers, whose work brings bold narrative choices and fresh approaches to the screen. By presenting female characters as complex, active agents in their own stories, the competition highlights the diversity of African experiences and the importance of widening whose voices shape contemporary cinema.
Beyond the Screen: The Africa Film & Content Market Returns Bigger
A major component of this year’s festival is the second edition of the Africa Film & Content Market (AFCM), taking place from 2nd to 5th November 2026 at Twinwaters, Lekki, Lagos.
“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,” said Ude.
Created to connect African and international producers, investors, distributors, broadcasters and streaming platforms, AFCM aims to strengthen the business infrastructure behind African cinema and television. This year, the market will welcome delegations from more than ten countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Sweden, France, Oman, the United States and Canada. Participating companies include MTN, Dentsu, CNN, Filmhouse Group and Lamart, among others.
Through industry sessions, market meetings, co-production opportunities and investment roundtables, AFCM moves the conversation from creative potential to practical opportunities for commercial growth and international market access.
Alongside the market, AFRIFF 2026 will host industry discussions, masterclasses and networking events designed to equip filmmakers and creative professionals with the knowledge, relationships and tools to thrive in a competitive global marketplace.
