Three days into the 13th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), the buzz around Lagos has only intensified as Africa’s finest filmmakers, actors, and creatives continue to converge for a celebration of African storytelling. Themed “Indigenous to Global: Cultural Wealth to Global Prosperity,” this year’s festival has attracted global attention, with film lovers, industry experts, and international delegates gathering to witness the dynamic growth of African cinema.
The festival’s opening night was a grand affair hosted by Nigeria’s beloved comedian Bovi, who kept the audience entertained throughout the event. Dignitaries in attendance included the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard M. Mills Jr., underscoring the cultural and diplomatic significance of AFRIFF. Media icon Nduka Obaigbena also graced the event, adding to the star-studded crowd.
Setting the tone for the week was Headless, a film by Nigerian director Michael W. Ndiomu, which follows the journey of an ambitious filmmaker navigating the challenges of Lagos. The opening film’s raw exploration of dreams and resilience struck a powerful chord with audiences, embodying the spirit of African cinema.
The second day offered a diverse lineup, with films that delved into the complexities of African identity, tradition, and urban life. The documentary Echoes from the South celebrated South African heritage, while A Lagos Night portrayed the pulse of Nigeria’s largest city through gripping storytelling. Each screening presented a different lens on African life, capturing the vast range of narratives that make up the continent’s story.
Today, on Day 3, the momentum continues with an array of screenings that explore African identity and diaspora. Where We Belong promises an intimate look at African youth grappling with modernity and cultural roots, while Beyond the Horizon, a Ghanian production, brings the struggles of migration and the search for belonging to the screen.
Alongside screenings, AFRIFF is also hosting interactive workshops on digital storytelling and panel discussions on the future of African cinema. These sessions are designed to provide industry insights, empower emerging creatives, and fuel conversations on the international reach of African narratives.
This year’s festival also introduced the Herbert Wigwe Trailblazer Award in honor of the late Access Bank chairman and his contributions to the creative industry. In a moving tribute, the inaugural awards went to Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah for their dedication to nurturing the Nigerian creative economy.
As AFRIFF moves forward, attendees are already looking forward to the festival’s grand finale on November 9, which will feature the highly anticipated film Out of Breath by renowned Nigerian director Obi Emelonye. Over the coming days, AFRIFF will continue to celebrate the vast richness of African cinema and its ability to bridge cultures, inspire, and transform. This festival, with its powerful films and meaningful connections, stands as a testament to African storytelling’s growing influence on the global stage.
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