Saturday, July 18, 2026

AFRIFF, One of the Best International Film Festivals in Africa



 
AFRIFF, One of the Best International Film Festivals in Africa


The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is a premier annual event in Lagos, Nigeria, celebrating African and diasporic cinema. Founded in 2010 by Chioma Ude, it hosts high-profile film screenings, industry masterclasses, and talent development programs. It also features the AFRIFF Film & Content Market (AFCM) to boost content licensing, co-productions, and distribution.


The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), in partnership with The Walt Disney Company and FilmOne Entertainment, hosted the historic African premiere of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" in Lagos, Nigeria. The highly anticipated Marvel Studios sequel debuted on the continent ahead of its global cinematic release in November 2022.



The star-studded event brought the film's cast, filmmakers, and global industry stakeholders to Lagos. It was widely celebrated as a monumental milestone for African entertainment, helping bridge the gap between global film industries.

In 2026, AFRIFF became the first African film festival selected for the Goes To Cannes of the Marché du Film (Cannes Film Market) program of the annual Cannes Film Festival in France.
Curating a dedicated "Goes to Cannes" showcase, the festival highlighted the growing global influence of African cinema.
As the official representative for Lagos, Nigeria, AFRIFF secured a highly visible platform at the Palais des Festivals.


Key Information and Upcoming Dates
Event Dates: 
The festival typically takes place in early November.

Location
Lagos, Nigeria (with multiple venues across the city).

Core Activities:
Film Screenings: Showcasing feature films, documentaries, shorts, animations, and student works.

AFRIFF Globe Awards
The closing-week ceremony honoring artistic excellence across various cinematic categories.

AFRIFF Academy
A capacity-building initiative that trains young filmmakers and facilitates sponsorships to international film schools.

AFRIFF Film & Content Market (AFCM): 
A dedicated marketplace for creators, studios, and financiers to trade and collaborate.

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