AFRIFF 2025: A Celebration of African Cinema
Mark your calendars! The 2025 edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) will kick off on November 2 in the vibrant city of Lagos. As it enters its 14th year, the festival promises an exciting lineup, introducing a new film and content market aimed at bolstering creative trade and enhancing tourism. This year, the festivities will run until November 8, showcasing an impressive array of feature films, documentaries, and shorts from across Africa and the diaspora.
The festival will culminate in a glamorous globe award gala on November 8, celebrating the best and brightest in African cinema. Chioma Ude, the founder of AFRIFF, has emphasized that this film and content market will serve as a vital business platform for studios, streamers, and investors, effectively connecting storytellers with financiers. Ude also noted that Lagos is a natural choice for hosting the festival, citing its robust infrastructure and global reputation for creativity. “Every November, AFRIFF transforms Lagos into a creative hub where producers, actors, and executives converge,” she said. With expectations of generating significant partnerships and real deals, this year’s festival promises to be a pivotal moment for the African film industry.
Abuja International Film Festival: Exploring National Identity
Hot on the heels of AFRIFF, the 2025 edition of the Abuja International Film Festival will commence on November 6. Now in its 22nd year, this festival takes on the poignant theme, “From Script to Nation: The Role of Film in Shaping National Identity.” This theme is designed to explore the transformative power of film in society and its ability to impact national consciousness. Attendees can expect to engage in meaningful discussions exploring how storytelling shapes cultural narratives and societal values. The festival will conclude on November 10.
Creative Producer Indaba: Sharpening Leadership Skills
Another exciting development in the African film landscape is the upcoming Creative Producer Indaba (CPI), launching its 5th edition in November 2025. The CPI has garnered recognition for its positive impact on film producers, and this year, it seeks 15 participants to join its ranks. Designed for professional development, the CPI focuses on enhancing leadership and entrepreneurial skills while expanding creative capacities among film producers.
Organized by the Realness Institute in Cape Town and partnered with various prestigious organizations, the CPI will feature three workshops held over multiple periods. For the first time, all workshops will be held in the African and Indian Ocean regions, contributing to a more localized experience for participants. The first workshop will take place from November 14 to 21, 2025, followed by the second from February 8 to 12, 2026, and the third from April 25 to 30, 2026. Renowned producers Mehret Mandefro and Diana Elbaum will lead this year’s workshops, ensuring an enriching experience for attendees.
Global Partnerships and Opportunities
The CPI seeks both African and Indian Ocean producers—whether they have a film project or not—as well as international producers interested in co-producing with Africa. Successful applicants will find resources to support their participation through partnerships with notable organizations from Brazil, Canada, and Europe. Each of these partners reserves a spot for a producer from their country focused on co-producing African projects. This collaboration not only underscores the global interest in African cinema but also fosters valuable connections for storytelling across borders.
NollywoodWeek Film Festival: A Gateway to International Recognition
In more exciting news, OKADA Media has opened submissions for the 2026 edition of the NollywoodWeek Film Festival, set to take place from May 6 to 10, 2026, in Paris, France. This prestigious festival serves as a critical platform for African filmmakers, allowing them to showcase their work on the international stage, connect with diverse audiences, and explore new opportunities within the film industry. Emphasizing the significance of powerful storytelling, NollywoodWeek promotes itself as a space where impactful narratives intertwine with fresh creative prospects. Filmmakers interested in participating can find entry requirements and guidelines at www.nollywoodweek.com.