5 African Film Festivals you should know
For this list, I have put together 5 African film festivals you should know about and plan to attend if you are interested in film festivals.
Over the years, film festivals have been a very vital part of the global film industry. Every year, hundreds and thousands of people—filmmakers, film industry stakeholders, film enthusiasts and fans—around the world attend film festivals.
For filmmakers—both emerging and seasoned filmmakers—these film festivals are an opportunity for them to showcase their work, gain exposure and recognition for their work, and network with fellow filmmakers, industry stakeholders and decision-makers, funders and investors. It is also a unique opportunity for them to connect with film enthusiasts, film critics and their fans on a personal level.
For this list, I have put together 5 African film festivals you should know about and plan to attend if you are interested in film festivals.
1) Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF)
Founded by Ms. Chioma Ude, Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) celebrates cinema and filmmaking talent from Africa and the diaspora.
Referred to as ‘Africa's number 1 destination celebrating film & visual storytelling in Nigeria,’ AFRIFF, through 12 editions, has stayed relevant and ensured its continuity in bringing together authentic storytellers and people who love the cinematic experience and creative filmmaking approaches.
AFRIFF showcase includes drama, documentaries, film features and short films. It exhibits and showcases new creators and emerging talents, and consistently delivers a rich programme to foster invaluable exchanges of ideas, production connections, and business relationships. It features Screenings & E-cinema, Talks & Sessions, Masterclasses & Workshops, Parties & Entertainment, Film Awards, and a lot more.
AFRIFF offers Awards in categories such as Feature, Documentary, Short, Animation and Students Short, as well as awards and prizes in Directing, Acting and Screenplay. It also features special awards for Audience choice and a Jury award for outstanding film.
This November, AFRIFF will return for its 13th edition with the theme; INDIGENOUS TO GLOBAL: CULTURAL WEALTH TO GLOBAL PROSPERITY.
2) Durban International Film Festival (DIFF)
Widely regarded as a leading film festival on the African continent, the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) is South Africa’s largest and longest-running film festival with over 100 screenings presented—most of which are premieres in this region.
Founded in 1979, DIFF is presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of Kwazulu-Natal with support from the National Film and Video Foundation, Kwazulu-Natal Film Commission, the Durban Film Office, the National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences, and the Avalon Group.
The festival proactively promotes the development of the African film industry. It provides a strategic exhibition platform for local products alongside international films within a professionally implemented and reputable cultural experience.
Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) features workshops, panel discussions, seminars and outreach activities that even screen in towns where cinemas do not exist. Last year (2023), with the submission of 3316 films from 137 countries as of the closing of submission ahead of its 44th edition, ninety (90) feature films, documentaries, and short films were selected to be screened, according to the festival.
DIFF features isiPhethu, a developmental programme that includes the isiZulu Scriptwriting Workshop, Industry Programme, and screenings in community centres. It also features the ‘International Student Film Festival,’ the first of its kind on the continent, which showcases 30 student films from all over the world, at the KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Arts (KZNSA) free of charge.
DIFF aims to celebrate excellence in filmmaking by unearthing and showcasing films that provide a memorable and enriching cinematic experience for audiences with courageous untold narratives or new ways of retelling often-told narratives.
DIFF is the only Oscar-qualifying festival in Southern Africa. The Best Documentary and Best Short Films automatically qualify to enter the Oscars race.
This July, DIFF will return for its 45th edition.
Read Also: Highlights and winners at the 44th Durban International Film Festival
3) Joburg Film Festival (JFF)
The Joburg Film Festival (JFF) is that festival that has successfully curated and showcased African and international films and also brought together filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinema enthusiasts for a celebration of storytelling through the art of film for 6 years.
JFF tells African stories and rewards spontaneity and excellence in films. It is an essential platform at the heart of Africa’s cultural and creative revolution.
The festival features screenings, discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at nurturing aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals around its four key pillars - the Industry Programme, the Youth and Audience Development Programme, the Joburg Film Society, and the JBX B2B Content Market.
The recently concluded 6th edition of the Joburg Film Festival (JFF), presented by Multichoice, held from February 27th to March 3rd, 2024, and it featured the ‘JFF Young Voice Competition,’ a competition that celebrates the natural creative talent of young filmmakers.
4) Addis International Film Festival (AIFF)
The Addis International Film Festival (AIFF), whose mission is to honour, promote and nurture documentary cinema from local and international artists while fostering cross-cultural communication, started in 2007.
Organised by Initiative Africa, an Addis Ababa, Ethiopia-based non-profit organisation founded by Indrias Getachew and Meseret Lemma, AIFF is comprised of enthusiastic volunteers and people with a common interest in supporting not just filmmakers from around the world but also seeks to use the power of documentaries and short films to support innovative ways of creating awareness of social issues.
For years, AIFF has showcased films from seasoned and emerging filmmakers who have documented information essential for analysing issues that affect society like gender equality, human rights, and climate change.
Since its inception in 2007, the Addis International Film Festival (AIFF) has grown massively and is still successfully advocating its culture within the global population.
The 18th edition of AIFF took place in May in Addis Ababa under the themes of Action for Peace, Security, and Reconciliation, Gender Equality and Inclusivity, Food and Environmental Security, and Health Care.
Read Also: Kelvin Shani: On leading and growing an animation studio and his love for art and music
5) All African Independent Film Festival (AAIFF)
The All African Independent Film Festival (AAIFF) is a film festival that has developed itself—and as well established itself—as an intrinsic part of the global film festival. AAIFF is a festival that nurtures desires, grooms innovation and creativity, and promotes careers, especially the bold, industrious and independent directors.
Based in Kigali, Rwanda, the All African Independent Film Festival showcases the immense breadth and talent in independent filmmaking from the 54 countries that make up the continent, where independent cinema plays an ever-increasing, and crucial role, in amplifying diverse voices and narratives.
AAIFF focuses on displaying rich African diversity and cultures. It is also keen on tackling societal issues such as social justice, personal struggles, African realities and many more.
The year’s edition of the AAIFF Festival will take place this September and it offers 14 awards in 10 categories including Africa’s Best Independent Film Director 2024 and Africa’s Best Independent Film 2024.
