The 15th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) wrapped up in Lagos on November 7, 2026, after seven days of celebrating African storytelling, connecting creative professionals and spotlighting the future of cinema.
Held under the theme “Frames of the Future: Africa’s Creative Intelligence,” this year’s festival brought together filmmakers, actors, producers, investors and other industry professionals from across Africa and beyond. From exciting film premieres and celebrity appearances to workshops, business conversations and the prestigious AFRIFF Globe Awards, the festival offered a packed programme for film lovers and industry players.
Hollywood Stars and Nollywood Personalities Grace the Opening
Djimon Hounsou, Yaya Dacosta, Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good at AFRIFF 2026
AFRIFF 2026 opened on November 1 with a glamorous opening gala and the Nigerian premiere of Lady, the debut feature film by Nigerian filmmaker Olive Nwosu.
The film follows a Lagos taxi driver whose plans to build a new life in Freetown take an unexpected turn when she begins driving sex workers around the city. Its opening-night screening was particularly significant, following its recognition at international film festivals, including Sundance and the Berlin International Film Festival.
The opening also attracted notable international guests, including Beninese-American Hollywood actor Djimon Hounsou, who attended as guest of honour. Hollywood actors, Yaya Dacosta, Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors were also among the international personalities at the festival.
They joined Nigerian entertainment figures such as Rita Dominic, Wale Ojo, Osas Ighodaro, Toni Tones, Juliet Ibrahim, Darey Alade and Ruggedman, among others, for the celebration.
Another major screening was the world premiere of Bad Blood, a psychological thriller produced by Bolaji Ogunmola and directed by Yemi “Filmboy” Morafa. The film explored difficult questions around faith, relationships and blood transfusions, with the screening followed by a conversation with members of the cast and production team.
Film Screenings, Masterclasses and Industry Conversations
Beyond the red carpets, AFRIFF provided opportunities for filmmakers and aspiring creatives to learn, connect and develop their projects.
The Africa Film and Content Market ran alongside the festival from November 2 to 5, bringing together producers, distributors, investors and other industry stakeholders. Discussions focused on film financing, distribution, co-productions, intellectual property and taking African stories to international audiences.
The festival also hosted its Producers Lab, featuring workshops and fireside chats on project development, line production, intellectual property and distribution. Selected producers had the opportunity to pitch their projects for the Goes to Cannes 2027 programme.
Several masterclasses and workshops also featured respected industry professionals, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Femi Adebayo, Hilda Dokubo, Angel Kristi Williams and cinematographer Kirby Griffin.
Technology also featured prominently. On November 6, Toyosi Akerele and Rise Interactive Studios, in collaboration with TikTok, hosted an AI filmmaking and content lab, exploring how emerging technology can influence the future of film production.
African Films Take the Spotlight
The festival’s film selection featured productions from Nigeria and other African countries, alongside international films.
Notable titles included Slum Bomber, One Woman One Bra, Anwuli, The Spectacular Death of Prisca, The Tropic Sun and His Eyes, Adanne and Which Way.
The films explored different themes and creative styles, giving audiences an opportunity to experience stories from across the continent.
The Globe Awards Close the Festival
The festival concluded on November 7 with the AFRIFF Globe Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements across the selected films.
Among the major winners, Slum Bomber took home Best Feature Film, while Olive Nwosu won Best Director for Lady. Sarah Karen received Best Actress for One Woman One Bra, and Stevenson Jean won Best Actor for The Tropic Sun and His Eyes.
Adanne won the Audience Choice Award, while The Spectacular Death of Prisca received Best Short Film.
The closing ceremony was hosted by Keturah King and Osas Ighodaro, with musical performances from Timi Dakolo, D’banj and Qiqi.
A Week of Celebration and Opportunities for African Cinema
AFRIFF 2026 offered more than film screenings and celebrity appearances. It created room for filmmakers to showcase their work, learn from established professionals, meet potential collaborators and explore opportunities to take their projects further.
With its mix of entertainment, professional development and industry networking, the festival once again placed African cinema and its growing global influence in the spotlight.
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