The 13th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) will take place at AFRIFF HUB, The Palms, Oniru, Lagos, from November 3rd to 9th, 2024. With the theme Indigenous to Global: Cultural Wealth to Global Prosperity, AFRIFF aims to further its mission of elevating African storytelling to a global audience.
This year’s event promises to bring together filmmakers, storytellers, and creative minds from across Africa and the diaspora, focusing on how African cultural narratives can drive global appreciation and prosperity.
The festival’s founder, Chioma Ude, has announced that the opening film will be HEADLESS, a crime thriller by Nigerian filmmaker Michael W. Ndiomu. The film follows the gritty journey of a Nigerian filmmaker, reflecting AFRIFF’s dedication to showcasing African stories that remain culturally authentic while resonating with international audiences.
Ude emphasized that African filmmaking, particularly in Nigeria, is evolving rapidly, with films like HEADLESS bridging the gap between local storytelling and global relevance.
This year’s festival will screen a remarkable lineup of 150 films from across Africa and the diaspora, coupled with industry-focused discussions and networking events. Closing the festival is OUT OF BREATH by Obi Emelonye, a film that captures elements of Igbo culture, merging romance, action, and traditional proverbs to craft a story that appeals globally.
AFRIFF’s diverse film selection and programming highlight its commitment to fostering a thriving African film industry that can thrive on a global scale.
AFRIFF recently engaged with international audiences through its participation in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) in New York, where the Global Cultural Experience Initiative, supported by AFREXIM, was launched on the path to Destination 2030. This initiative emphasized cultural exchange as a pathway to global prosperity.
A significant panel discussion led by Ude, along with industry leaders like Chapel Denham CEO Bolaji Balogun, Ukonwa Ojo, and Tae-lim Oh, centered on harnessing Nigeria’s cultural wealth to expand its influence and drive economic growth.
At the CANEX 24 event in Algiers, AFRIFF continued its commitment to the African creative industry by showcasing talent from its own Afriff Academy, in partnership with the University of Creative Art. This collaboration spotlighted emerging filmmakers, offering 30 scriptwriters from various African nations an opportunity to pitch their projects to prominent studios such as Showmax, Filmone, and Lavida Studios.
From this competition, three finalists were chosen from Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda, marking an important step for African storytellers on the global stage.
AFRIFF’s 2024 edition not only aims to celebrate African storytelling but also serves as a platform for African filmmakers to gain visibility, build networks, and attract international collaboration. By blending local narratives with universal themes, AFRIFF envisions a future where African culture and stories are integral to global media, driving economic and cultural prosperity.
This festival edition underscores AFRIFF’s role in advancing the African creative economy and solidifying Africa’s position in the global cultural landscape.
The annual AFRIFF awards ceremony takes place in November, culminating a week-long festival featuring film screenings, workshops, masterclasses, and industry networking events.
By acknowledging and rewarding excellence in filmmaking, AFRIFF seeks to inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and contribute to the growth of the African film industry. The festival has become a premier platform for filmmakers to connect with global audiences, secure distribution deals, and gain international recognition.
With its diverse categories and esteemed jury, the AFRIFF awards have established themselves as a benchmark of excellence in African and international cinema.
