AFRIFF 2026 has unveiled 135 Films, AI Initiatives, and International Co-Production deals for 15th Edition.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has unveiled a lineup of 135 films, new international co-production agreements and artificial intelligence initiatives ahead of its 15th edition, scheduled to hold from November 1 to 7, 2026, in Lagos.
The festival announced its programme at a press conference held at Mikano International headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos, attended by diplomats, government officials, corporate sponsors and stakeholders in the film industry.
The milestone edition, themed “Frames of the Future” and built around the programming concept of “Africa’s Creative Intelligence,” will feature 23 feature films among its 135 selections, with the festival culminating in the AFRIFF Globe Awards on November 7.
AFRIFF also disclosed that 55 per cent of its selected feature films were directed by, produced by or centred on women, highlighting the significant representation of women in this year’s programme.
Festival founder, Chioma Ude, said the representation emerged organically during the selection process, describing it as a reflection of the direction in which the film industry is heading.
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Ude also addressed concerns about artificial intelligence and its potential impact on employment in filmmaking, arguing that the technology should be viewed as a tool for creative development rather than simply a threat to jobs.
“AI is not going to take anyone’s job, but rather the person who knows how to use AI will replace those who don’t,” she said.
AFRIFF 2026 to Open With ‘Lady’, Close With ‘It’s the Blackness’
The festival’s programme combines African storytelling, directorial debuts and international productions, with its opening and closing films showcasing different dimensions of contemporary filmmaking.
The opening film, Lady, directed by Oliver Omoresu, is an African neo-noir production set in Lagos. It follows a young taxi driver tasked with transporting a group of sex workers along their nightly routes. Gucci Franklin leads the cast alongside an ensemble of actors.
The closing film, It’s the Blackness, marks the feature directorial debut of veteran actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim.
The black comedy-drama, which incorporates romantic elements, stars Kalu Ikeagwu and Marcy Dolapo Oni. It follows two close friends navigating personal ambition, family pressures and complex immigration challenges.
AFRIFF will also screen international productions through partnerships with diplomatic missions, including the American film If I Go, Will They Miss Me, written and directed by Walter Thompson-Hernández and starring Oscar nominee Danielle Brooks.
The Italian film The Traitor, directed by Marco Bellocchio, will be presented in partnership with the Italian Embassy, while an Oscar-winning Norwegian film will be screened in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy.
AFRIFF, TikTok to Launch AI Film and Content Creation Lab
Technology, creative independence and digital distribution will feature prominently in the anniversary programme as AFRIFF seeks to equip emerging filmmakers with skills to navigate changes in the global entertainment industry.
In collaboration with TikTok, the festival will host a hands-on AI Creative Film and Content Creation Lab on November 6.
The session will focus on helping emerging filmmakers integrate artificial intelligence tools into content creation, pre-production and micro-drama production.
AFRIFF is also partnering with Pulse Nigeria to introduce the Pulse Rising Filmmaker Award, a new category designed to recognise and provide financial support for filmmakers at the early stages of their careers.
The initiatives are expected to expand opportunities for emerging creatives while encouraging the use of new technologies and digital platforms in film production and distribution.
Oman, South Africa and Brazil Strengthen Film Partnerships
AFRIFF’s international partnerships are also expanding, with Oman expected to send a 10-person delegation carrying scripts in search of Nigerian co-production partners.
South Africa and Brazil have signed three-year, multi-project co-production and residency framework agreements with the festival.
The agreements are expected to create opportunities for cross-border collaboration, enabling filmmakers to explore joint productions, exchange expertise and strengthen connections between African and international film markets.
Diplomatic representatives at the press conference emphasised the importance of international cooperation in strengthening the film industry and expanding the global reach of African productions.
United States Consul General Brandon Hudspeth highlighted the role of storytelling in shaping national identity, noting that American storytellers had helped define how the world understands the United States throughout much of its 250-year history.
He said Nollywood was playing a similar role for Africa by using film to communicate the continent’s experiences and identity to global audiences.
Hudspeth also stressed that the future of filmmaking would depend on combining human talent with technology to produce stories that resonate internationally.
As part of its participation, the US Mission will showcase 10 American feature films and host masterclasses featuring Oscar-nominated producer Alex Madigan in November and gaming executive Mike Fischer in December.
France also expressed support for international collaboration. Laurent Favier, Consul General of France, said the challenges facing the film industry required cooperation among creative professionals and institutions.
“No studio, platform, or artist can meet these new industry challenges alone,” Favier said, highlighting the importance of developing international co-productions in fiction, animation and documentaries.
NFVCB DG Highlights AFRIFF’s Contribution to Creative Economy
Director-General of the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr Shaibu Husseini, described AFRIFF’s 15-year journey as more than an annual cultural gathering, noting its contribution to the visibility of African storytelling and the growth of the creative economy.
“AFRIFF has not merely been a date on the cultural calendar, but a monument to African storytelling and a catalyst for economic growth in the creative sector,” Husseini said.
The 2026 edition is expected to bring together filmmakers, technology innovators, investors, distributors and international partners for screenings, industry engagements and networking opportunities.
With its expanded film programme, AI-focused initiatives and growing international partnerships, AFRIFF is positioning its 15th edition as a platform for creative exchange, industry development and new business opportunities for African filmmakers.
The festival will run from November 1 to 7, 2026, with the AFRIFF Globe Awards scheduled to close the week-long event.
