AFRIFF unveils programme for 15th edition, features 130 films

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has unveiled the programme for its 15th edition, scheduled to hold in Lagosd from November 1 to 7, 2026. It will feature 130 films and industry engagements that celebrate Africa’s creative intelligence.

The festival, themed “Frames of the Future: Africa’s Creative Intelligence,” will feature film screenings, masterclasses, industry discussions, networking sessions, and the Africa Film & Content Market (AFCM), aimed at strengthening African cinema and expanding its global reach.

AFRIFF founder and festival director Chioma Ude said the edition would explore how African filmmakers are embracing technology, developing innovative business models, and creating new opportunities for financing, production, and distribution.

The festival will open with Lady, the feature debut of Nigerian filmmaker Olive Nwosu, while It’s The Blackness, directed by actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim, will serve as the closing film.

Special presentations include the Oscar-winning Norwegian film Sentimental Value, directed by Joachim Trier, and The Traitor, by Italian filmmaker Marco Bellocchio. American actress Danielle Brooks will feature in a special presentation of If I Go Will They Miss Me, directed by Walter Thompson-Hernández. At the same time, Hollywood actor Djimon Hounsou will present the short film Calabash.

Women filmmakers and female-centred narratives will feature prominently in this year’s selection. Ude disclosed that about 85 per cent of the selected feature films were either directed or produced by women or centred on women’s stories, underscoring their growing influence in African cinema.

The second edition of the Africa Film & Content Market will run from November 2 to 5 at Twinwaters, Lekki, Lagos. The market will bring together filmmakers, investors, distributors, broadcasters and streaming platforms from more than 10 countries to explore investment, co-production and distribution opportunities.

Participating companies include MTN, Dentsu, CNN, Filmhouse Group and Lamart.

The United States Consul General, Brandon Hudspeth, announced that two American film envoys, Angel Kristi Williams and Charles Kirby, would lead workshops on directing and cinematography for emerging Nigerian filmmakers. He reaffirmed the US Mission’s support for AFRIFF for the 11th consecutive year.

Representatives of the Nigerian, French and Brazilian governments also highlighted the importance of institutional support, international partnerships and cultural exchange in strengthening the film industry.

To widen access, the Obi Adada Foundation will cover screening ticket costs, allowing festival attendees to watch films for free.