The 15th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF 2026) will open in Lagos on Sunday, November 1, bringing together filmmakers, actors, producers, investors and other major players in the global film industry for a week-long celebration of African cinema.
Running until November 7, the festival will be held under the theme “Frames of the Future: Africa’s Creative Intelligence,” highlighting the growing global influence of African storytelling and the creative talent driving the continent’s film industry.
This year’s edition will showcase 105 films across eight categories, alongside industry discussions, workshops, masterclasses and business networking opportunities designed to strengthen Africa’s film and creative sectors.
Olive Nwosu’s LADY to Open AFRIFF 2026
The opening film for AFRIFF 2026 is LADY, the feature directorial debut of Nigerian filmmaker Olive Nwosu.
Set in Lagos, the film follows one of the city’s few female taxi drivers whose routine work takes an unexpected turn when she becomes involved in transporting a group of women through Lagos nightlife.
The film will have its opening screening on Sunday, November 1, setting the tone for the festival’s week-long celebration of African filmmaking and storytelling.
AFRIFF 2026 to Showcase 105 Films Across Eight Categories
The festival programme features 105 films across eight categories, offering audiences a diverse selection of feature films, documentaries, short films and other productions from Africa and the diaspora.
Beyond film screenings, AFRIFF 2026 will host industry conversations, workshops and masterclasses aimed at promoting knowledge sharing, professional development and opportunities for emerging filmmakers.
These activities are expected to provide a platform for established industry professionals and emerging creative talents to exchange ideas and explore new approaches to filmmaking.
RMD, Femi Adebayo to Lead AFRIFF Masterclasses
One of the major attractions of this year’s festival is its programme of 11 masterclasses and workshop sessions featuring prominent industry figures, including veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, and filmmaker and actor Femi Adebayo.
The sessions will explore various aspects of filmmaking, industry development and the changing demands of the global creative economy.
Participation in the masterclasses and workshops will be free, subject to registration, providing aspiring filmmakers and other industry professionals with opportunities to learn from experienced practitioners.
Africa Film & Content Market Returns for Second Edition
A major highlight of AFRIFF 2026 is the second edition of the Africa Film & Content Market (AFCM), scheduled to hold from November 2 to 5 at Twinwaters, Lekki, Lagos.
The market will provide a business platform for film producers, distributors, streaming platforms, investors, buyers and other industry stakeholders to explore partnerships, investment opportunities and collaborations.
Its programme will feature industry discussions, business-to-business meetings, screenings, investment conversations and project showcases.
Key discussion areas will include developments in African and global film and television, content distribution, film financing and emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual production.
CANEX Day to Spotlight Investment Opportunities in Africa’s Creative Industry
The festival programme will also feature a special CANEX Day on November 6, organised in partnership with CANEX by Afreximbank.
The initiative will focus on investment opportunities and growth prospects across Africa’s creative industries, further reinforcing the importance of financing, partnerships and business development in expanding the continent’s creative economy.
IT’S THE BLACKNESS to Close AFRIFF 2026
Among the films featured in the festival’s closing programme are CALABASH, directed by Omar S. Kamara, and IT’S THE BLACKNESS, the feature directorial debut of acclaimed actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim.
IT’S THE BLACKNESS has been officially announced as the festival’s closing film.
The 15th edition of AFRIFF will conclude on Saturday, November 7, with the annual AFRIFF Globe Awards, which will celebrate outstanding achievements in African filmmaking and the wider film industry.
AFRIFF Marks 15 Years of Promoting African Cinema
Since its establishment in 2010, the Africa International Film Festival has grown into an important meeting point for African filmmakers and the international film community.
The 15th edition, alongside the expansion of the Africa Film & Content Market, underscores the growing role of film festivals beyond celebrating creative productions.
By bringing filmmakers, investors, distributors and other industry stakeholders together, AFRIFF continues to create opportunities for collaboration, film financing, content distribution and the global promotion of African stories.
With 105 films, industry masterclasses, business networking sessions and the return of the Africa Film & Content Market, AFRIFF 2026 is set to further strengthen Lagos’ position as an important destination for African cinema and the creative industry.
