The 13th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF 2024) took place from November 3 to 9, 2024, in Lagos, showcasing the brilliance of African storytelling. This year’s theme, “Indigenous to Global: Cultural Wealth to Global Prosperity,” honoured the resilience and growth of African filmmaking.

As the continent’s largest film festival, AFRIFF serves as a crucial platform for Nollywood filmmakers, financiers, and enthusiasts to gather and engage in meaningful dialogue about the industry’s future.

Day 1: Opening Night – Sunday, 3 November 2024

AFRIFF 2024 opened with a spectacular night at the Royal Box at Cube 65, hosted by comedian, Bovi. The event attracted a mix of local and international dignitaries, including the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard M. Mills Jr.; and media mogul Nduka Obaigbena. Their presence underscored the festival’s significance as a cultural beacon for Nigeria and the African continent.

The opening film, Headless, directed by Nigerian filmmaker Michael W. Ndiomu, set a powerful tone for the week. The film narrated the story of an ambitious filmmaker navigating the challenges of Lagos.

Day 2: Herbert Day – Monday, 4 November 2024

A significant highlight of AFRIFF 2024 was the introduction of the Herbert Wigwe Trailblazer Award, honouring the late Herbert Wigwe, former Access Bank Group chairman and a long-time supporter of Nigeria’s creative industries. The inaugural recipients of this award were Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah and Governor Sanwo-Olu, recognised for their contributions to fostering growth in Nigeria’s creative sector.

The day featured multiple panel discussions addressing critical industry topics. For instance, Brenda Fashugba of the British Council emphasized the importance of dialogue in analyzing and solving industry challenges, stating, “If you’re trying to solve problems, you first need to talk about them.” This approach aligns with AFRIFF’s mission to serve as a “sounding board” for filmmakers, providing a platform for discussing the future of African cinema.

Day 3: Co-Production Day – Tuesday, 5 November 2024

On Day 3, themed Co-Production Day, the festival hosted discussions on the importance of co-production in the industry. The first panel, moderated by Ronya Man, highlighted successful co-productions, with panelists emphasizing Africa’s potential in this realm. “Nigeria has a lot of amazing talents. So, for you to shine here, you’d need to do very well and partnership cannot be left behind,” noted Asurf Oluseyi. The day also included the screening of the psychological thriller Agemo.

Day 4: Animation Day – Wednesday, 6 November 2024

AFRIFF 2024 Animation Day focused on the burgeoning field of animation in Africa and its potential to tell unique stories, preserve cultural heritage, and achieve global success. The theme for the day was “Exploring the Burgeoning Field of Animation in Africa.”

The first panel, titled “Animating the Future: Iwaju and the Evolution of African Storytelling,” explored Iwaju as a groundbreaking collaboration in African animation. It highlighted how this project incorporates unique African storytelling and cultural roots, alongside partnerships with major studios like Disney that can amplify African narratives globally.

The second panel, “Financing and Marketing African Animation Projects + Comic Republic Demo,” provided insights into various funding and financing options available for co-productions, both within Africa and internationally.

The third panel discussed “Animation as a Medium for Cultural Expression and Education: Animating African Folklore, Bringing Traditional Stories to Life.” This session explored the potential of animation as a tool for cultural expression and education, emphasizing the importance of bringing traditional stories to life through this medium.

Unfortunately, the disorganization that plagued the festival was evident on Animation Day, as well as throughout the entire event. Films that were supposed to screen often did so at completely different times or not at all, as many activities occurred simultaneously. A faith-based film panel discussion was also scheduled for the same day, but there was little to no publicity about it, leading to confusion among attendees.

This lack of proper time management and organization detracted from the festival experience, leaving many participants frustrated.

Day 5: Television Day – Thursday, 7 November 2024

On Television Day, Showmax joined AFRIFF 2024 to celebrate African stories with the screening of Princess on a Hill, a limited series co-created by Abiola Sobo and Tolu Ajayi. The series followed the story of Zara, a young executive navigating a high-stakes corporate environment after winning a reality show. This screening exemplified Showmax’s commitment to telling authentic African stories.

Day 6: Afro Unity Day – Friday, 8 November 2024

Day 6, themed Afro Unity Day, highlighted the importance of collaboration and unity among African filmmakers. The day featured various screenings and discussions aimed at fostering partnerships across the continent.

Day 7: Grand Finale Closing Film – Saturday, 9 November 2024

The festival concluded on November 9, 2024, with the announcement of Phoenix Fury as the winner of the Best Film award. Directed by Ifeoma Nkirka Chukuogo, the film showcased a filmmaker’s ability to blend past and present elements, following the story of Ifeatu through a series of unfortunate events that lead her to seek revenge against a man named Yali.

Featuring a talented cast including Uzoamaka Onuoha, Richard Mofe Damijo, and Onyinye Odokoro, Phoenix Fury captivated audiences with its storytelling and seamless transitions between different worlds.

At the AFRIFF 2024 Globe Awards held on the final night, the complete list of winners included:

– Best Feature Film: Phoenix Fury – Directed by Ifeoma N. Chukwuogo (Nigeria)
– Best Director: Ifeoma N. Chukwuogo – Phoenix Fury (Nigeria)
– Best Female Performance: Uzoamaka Onuoha – Agemo (Nigeria)
– Best International Feature Film: Calladita/The Quiet Maid – Directed by Miguel Faus (Spain)
– Best Screenplay: The Man Died – Bode Asiyanbi (Nigeria)
– Best Documentary Shorts: From God to Man – Directed by Lansana Mansaray (Sierra Leone)
– Best African Documentary: Mother City – Directed by Miki Redelinghuys (South Africa)
– Best International Documentary: Memories of Love Returned – Directed by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine (USA)
– Best Animation: Hadu – Directed by Damilola Solesi (Nigeria)
– Best Student Short Film: Last Minutes – Directed by Nicole E. Emechebe (Nigeria)
– Best African Short Film: Adunni – Directed by Tola Falonipe (Nigeria)
– Best International Short Film: Cookie Box– Directed by Adam Zurawiecki (Poland)

The festival also featured honorees such as:
– Ambitious Work Jury Prize: Freedom Way – Directed by Afolabi Olalekan (Nigeria)
– Herbert Wigwe Trailblazer Awards for Culinary Arts: Chef Tolu Eros (Nigeria)
– Herbert Wigwe Trailblazer Awards for Fashion: Ugo Mozie (Nigeria)

AFRIFF 2024 emerged as a celebration of the rich narratives of African cinema, bridging cultures and inspiring change on a global stage. The exclusive nature of the festival parties, where Nollywood insiders gather and connect, further emphasizes the festival’s role as a networking hub where ideas and projects can be born in a more relaxed setting.

However, the disorganization and scheduling conflicts experienced throughout the festival highlight areas for improvement, ensuring that future festivals can better serve their participants. As articulated by program director Isioma Idigbe, “AFRIFF is doing what it’s supposed to do,” providing a vital platform for the next generation of filmmakers to flourish.