Women are set to dominate conversations at the 15th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) as 135 films have been lined up for screening, with focus also on technology, collaboration and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The festival, themed “Frames of the Future: Capturing What’s Next, Today,” will examine the future of African cinema, technology and storytelling.
The 15th edition will run from 1 to 7 November, 2026, drawing filmmakers, producers, distributors, investors, industry professionals and audiences.
At a media parley held at the Mikano showroom in Victoria Island, Lagos, ahead of the festival, the organiser outlined plans for industry sessions, masterclasses and the Africa Film & Content Market (AFCM), which seeks to connect African filmmakers and producers with international buyers and distributors.
Founder of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), Chioma Ude, said: “This is a special and a milestone edition for us; we are focusing on technology, AI, how we are navigating regarding to film. Interestingly, 85 per cent of the movies selected are either directed by women, produced by women or stories by women or of women so, I believe that the film of the future is women and technology.”
On what makes the edition special, she said: “So many things make this year’s edition special. There will be a lot of co-production deals. Oman will be sending a delegation of 10 people with scripts, meet with producers and go into production with Nigerians. There is something remarkable happening with South Africa. We just signed a three-year contract and there will be a lot of co-production involving residency programme.”
“Brazil is coming with two films to co-produce so, filmmakers need to go into the world more,” she noted.
When asked about the number of movies for the festival, Udeh who is also the Founder, Africa Film and Content Market (AFCM), said: “135 with 23 features films are expected for this year’s edition. We have two workshops; Globalisation IP Policies and how to use the tools. Technology of films will be a good discussion this year and how films can move forward.
“Alongside the festival, AFCM provides a dedicated market platform for business, partnerships, content acquisition, investment and professional exchange across Africa’s film and television ecosystem,”she explained.
Also speaking, the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, represented by the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr Shaibu Husseini, said AFRIFF had, over the past 15 years, evolved beyond a date on the cultural calendar.
Musawa described the festival as a monument to African storytelling, a catalyst for economic growth in the creative sector and a bridge connecting local talent to the global stage.
The Minister noted that the year’s theme aligns strongly with the ministry’s mandate, noting that government was actively reshaping policies to support technology, distribution and infrastructure in the creative arts.
Musawa said; “Frames of the Future challenges our filmmakers to look beyond the horizon by embracing cutting-edge technology, innovative storytelling and global collaboration to redefine African cinema for generations to come.
“However, we cannot speak of the future of African cinema without honoring the bedrock upon which this modern era is built.”
In recognition of the effort of the organisers, the Minister said, “On behalf of the Nigerian Government and the entire creative industry, I want to pay a glowing, heartfelt tribute to the visionary founder of AFRIFF, Chioma Ude Chioma, to conceive a vision is one thing, but to sustain it with unwavering excellence for 15 years is an extraordinary feat of patriotism and leadership. You have continuously pushed the boundaries of African cinema, championed capacity building for thousands of young creatives through the AFRIFF Academy, and fiercely protected the dignity of the African narrative. Through sheer resilience, you have positioned Nigeria as the roaring engine of African film.
“I want to assure AFRIFF of the Ministry’s unalloyed partnership and institutional support. To the media, help us broadcast these “Frames of the Future” to the corners of the earth.”.
The Guardian
