African film festivals announce 2026 programmes and juries

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has unveiled its 15th edition programme, scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from November 1 to 7. Centered on the theme “Frames of the Future: Africa’s Creative Intelligence,” the festival will feature approximately 130 films, including 23 feature films. The event aims to highlight emerging technologies and sustainable business models in African film production. The festival will open with “Lady,” the feature debut of Nigerian filmmaker Olive Nwosu, and close with “It’s the Blackness,” the directorial debut of actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim.

In South Africa, the Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) has announced its jury for the 2026 festival in Cape Town, running from October 30 to November 2. The jury includes Kenyan filmmaker Louiza Wanjiku, Nigerian-born critic Jerry Chiemeke, and US-based producer Evette Vargas. The festival will showcase 10 selected feature films at the Robben Island Museum Amphitheatre, focusing on cinema from Africa and the Middle East.