As the highly anticipated 13th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) draws near, come November 3rd to 9th, excitement builds around the selection of films expected to be showcased. The 2024 edition, themed “Indigenous to Global: Cultural Wealth to Prosperity,” promises to provide a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers to share their unique perspectives and narratives with a global audience.

Building on the triumphs of previous editions, AFRIFF 2024 is set to be even more exhilarating and impactful, continuing its tradition of showcasing the best of African cinema with a diverse selection of feature films, documentaries, short films, and animation.

In the midst of this, here are a few Nollywood films on our radar:

Headless (2024)

This year’s festival opens with Headless, a feature film and thriller directed by Michael Ndiomu, which will premiere on November 3. Set in the morally complex world of Nollywood, Headless follows the chilling discovery of a decapitated head in the boot of a car belonging to a Nollywood film producer. As investigations unfold, hidden links between crime, politics, and the Nigerian film industry come to light, painting a gritty picture of ambition and corruption.

Starring Gideon Okeke, Uzoamaka Anuinoh, and Baaj Adebule, this action-packed film promises an intense look at the dark intersections of fame and power.

Recall (2024)

Recall, the latest psychological feature thriller by Kunle Afolayan, which is set to premiere on November 7. Recall follows the emotional journey of Goke and Anita as their seemingly perfect love story takes a mysterious turn. Starring Sharon Ooja, the film promises to captivate viewers with its suspenseful narrative and complex character arcs.

Out of Breath (2024)

Out of Breath, directed by Obi Emelonye, has been selected as the closing film for AFRIFF 2024. This Igbo-language epic, written by Ngozi Ideh, unfolds in a 1940s Igbo village steeped in tradition, where the revered elder “Nna Obioha” challenges a cruel custom that mandates the sacrifice of a servant upon an elder’s death.

Starring Kanayo O. Kanayo, Chidi Mokeme, Jide Kene Achufusi, Ebele Okaro, and Queen Nwokoye, Out of Breath is inspired by true events and delves into themes of defiance and resilience against entrenched societal norms.

Phoenix Fury (2024)

One of the anticipated films this year, Phoenix Fury, directed by Ifeoma Chukwuogo for Fizzy K Pictures, promises a unique journey across different periods. Though details about the plot remain under wraps, the film’s settings in Nigeria and Ghana hint at an immersive and culturally rich backdrop.

The film features an impressive cast, including Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Fadekemi Olumide-Aluko, Onyinye Odokoro, Shalewa Ashafa, and Joseph Momodu. This stellar lineup, combined with the film’s multi-era narrative, sets high expectations for Phoenix Fury at AFRIFF 2024.

A Ghetto Love Story (2024)

We’re thrilled to see A Ghetto Love Story also premiering alongside Recall on the 7th of November, giving audiences a first look at Basketmouth’s highly anticipated leap into feature filmmaking. Imagine being one of the elite Batch B to experience this film before its cinema run on 22 November! Already receiving early praise for its fresh, humour-filled take on love and urban life, this film is set to shape conversations in Nollywood as it rolls out across cinemas later in the month of November.

The Man Died (2024)

Highly anticipated since its exclusive premiere in July, The Man Died is now set to screen at AFRIFF 2024, offering audiences an early glimpse before its official cinema release. Inspired by Wole Soyinka’s prison memoirs, this film is a fictionalised retelling of the Nobel Laureate’s 22-month imprisonment under the Yakubu Gowon regime. Directed by Awam Amkpa and produced by Femi Odugbemi’s Zuri24Media, The Man Died was created entirely by Nigerian talent, with no foreign involvement in production.

Amkpa, a former student and associate of Soyinka, opted to collaborate with a local team for cultural authenticity, featuring contributions from screenwriter Bode Asiyanbi, director of photography Agbo Kelly, and production designer Theo Lawson, among others. This screening marks a key moment in the film’s global festival tour, bringing audiences closer to the powerful narrative of one of Africa’s literary icons.

Under the short films category, we really look forward to:

Conversations From The Past (2024)

Following the recent buzz surrounding Efunroye: The Unicorn, we are keen to see Conversations from the Past: Sara Forbes Bonetta and Efunroye Tinubu at AFRIFF 2024, where this reimagined short drama explores a fictional exchange between two influential women from Nigeria’s past. Set in 1863, the film delves into the contrasts between Efunroye Tinubu (Fadekemi Olumide Aluko), a wealthy merchant who continued slave trading despite its abolition, and Sara Forbes Bonetta (Kuchi Chris), a former slave and Nigerian-born goddaughter of Queen Victoria.

Though both women are successful, their perspectives are sharply defined by their experiences with the transatlantic slave trade: Sara as a survivor, and Efunroye as a seller. Crafted by director Adesola Oni and screenwriter Tunde Leye, the film promises a gripping exploration of power, survival, and legacy, inviting viewers to confront complex questions that resonate today.

The Hotel Room (2024)

Adding to AFRIFF 2024’s exciting line-up, The Hotel Room marks the highly anticipated Nollywood debut of reality TV star and writer Comfort Booth, known from The Real Housewives of Abuja. This short film, based on Booth’s collection of short stories, Human Nature, explores complex human relationships and themes of betrayal and revenge.

Directed by Uyoyou Adia and scripted by Abdul Tijani-Ahmed, the story follows a woman’s haunting journey to the afterlife, fuelled by a desire to settle scores with her abusive husband. Produced by Judith Audu, with Booth and Adebowale Adeyemo as executive producers, and starring Tope Olowoniyan and Ibrahim Suleiman, The Hotel Room promises a gripping narrative and powerful performances that are set to make a lasting impact on festival audiences.

Oga Mike (2024)

The short, Oga Mike, written by playwright and actor Olatunji Adebayo, brings a fresh perspective to the festival. This narrative revolves around the life of a  community leader navigating the challenges of leadership, societal expectations, and personal ambition. With sharp humour and interesting moments, Oga Mike promises to resonate with audiences while shedding light on the intricacies of local governance and community dynamics.

We’re excited to see the Nollywood short animation films at AFRIFF 2024, which highlight the remarkable growth of Nigerian animation. Melon Street and No One Hears Us, directed by Adeoye Adetunji and Kemi Gbadamosi respectively, utilise stop-motion animation, one of the most impressive and complex forms of the medium, and we’re eager to witness their creative artistry.

Additionally, we can’t wait to experience Leon and the Professor by Chekwube Okonkwo, and Scars of Love by Ibejigba Joshua, the latter being a solo effort by Joshua, who wore many hats to realise this 2D animated film which is currently available on YouTube. This festival is an exciting opportunity to appreciate the innovative strides being made in the Nigerian animation landscape.

Other official selections that will be showcased at AFRIFF 2024, sorted according to their categories include:

Feature Film Selections

A Ghetto Love Story – Directed by Daniel Oriahi
Definitely Not an Angel (DNA) – Directed by Precious I. Okpala
Freedom Way – Directed by Afolabi Olalekan
God-Dafi – Directed by Collins Adindu
Kaka – Directed by Prince Daniel
O̗jo̗ché – Directed by Yemi “Filmboy” Morafa
Tagwaye, A Tale of Twins – Directed by Abubakar Mohamed Marwa
The Other Side of the Bridge – Directed by Fiyin Gambo
The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos – Directed by a collaborative team

Short Film Selections

Àbíkẹ́ – Directed by E. Sarah Ifidon
Adunni – Directed by Tola Falonipe
Acta Non Verba – Directed by Miriam Dera
Angie’s Love – Directed by Bayo Lambo
Ayanola – Directed by Abraham E. Elebesunu
Brukaci – Directed by Jide ‘Jblaze’ Oyegbile
Chosen – Directed by Fiyin Gambo
Closed Book – Directed by Isiaka O. Shem
Diamond (A Chunk of Coal in Disguise) – Directed by Opeoluwa Adetunji, Folashade Akintunde
Evil Spirit, Get Out! – Directed by Theo-Ziny Joel
Ekún Ìyàwó: A Tale of a Runaway Bride – Directed by Moses Ipadeola
Ihunanya m – Directed by Abiodun Odu
Ikoy-Iko – Directed by Sarah E. Daniel
In Her Shoes – Directed by Nehita O. Irieme
Juliet’s Cry – Directed by Bryan O. Adekunle
Kimono Kid – Directed by Josef Adamu, Seyi Akinlade
Love, Olaitan – Directed by Moyosore Akinsete
Obara Nna m – Directed by Debby Amaechi
Salamatu – Directed by Olajide Adelaja
Shreds – Directed by Jones B. Mairubutu
Telephobillia – Directed by Paul Edoze
The Lord’s Manor – Directed by Aniee Essien
The Waiting Song – Directed by Russel Oru
Toll-Free – Directed by James Amuta, Mel Rouge
Tribal Mark – Directed by D.Okechukwu, J.Adesunloye, H.Dockrill
Ura – Directed by Samuel E. Erhahon
Vancouver – Directed by Deji D. Ajose-Ojikutu
We Have Bleach – Directed by Aisha Salaudeen

Student Shorts Selections

Creation Story – Directed by David Ikani
Echoes of War – Directed by Fisayo J. Ogunmodede
Flawed Cupid – Directed by Emerald Obahiagbon, Feyisayo Rotimi
Last Minute – Directed by Nicole E. Emechebe
Rekiya – Directed by Wuraola Adeniran, Deborah O. Ahmed
Trinket – Directed by Sarah Juma

Documentary Selections

African Identity – Directed by James Amuta
Ancestry – Directed by Jubilian Ngaruwa, Tessa Barlin
Call Me Shamsz – Directed by Geoff Browne
Dan Bature Kudawa – Directed by Charles Solomon
Ebrohimie Road: A Museum of Memory – Directed by Kolawole Olatubosun
Hadu – Directed by Damilola Solesi
Nigeria Laughs – Directed by Oluwasesan Jigan
The Queen – Directed by Chisom Ifeakandu

The 2024 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) promises an immersive lineup of events, blending cinematic screenings with opportunities for creative development and industry networking. The festival kicks off with an awards nominee party on November 2nd, followed by the grand opening ceremony on November 3rd, which will include the screening of Headless and an after-party later that evening.

Film screenings, running from November 4th to 8th, will showcase over 50 feature films, shorts, and documentaries, accessible both in-person and online.

AFRIFF is also hosting masterclasses and workshops, where industry experts will lead sessions on directing, screenwriting, producing, and other specialised topics. From November 4th to 8th, the programme includes daily panel discussions, fireside chats, and presentations by country partners and industry leaders. Topics will range from alternative film financing and the role of music in films to co-production models and international tax incentives.

The festival culminates with the closing film on November 8th and the prestigious Globe Awards on November 9th, bringing together filmmakers, audiences, and professionals in celebration of African and global cinema.

This year’s jury includes a distinguished panel of industry experts including Stephen ‘Dr’ Love (They Cloned Tyrone), Ego Boyo, Dennis Ruh, Victor Okhai, Cynthia Okoye, Wafa’a Céline Halawi, Yolanda Mogatusi, and Lanre Olupona, all representing a diverse array of international perspectives and expertise. Together, they will evaluate the entries, each bringing unique insights from their experiences in production, distribution, and storytelling across continents.

With 150 films set to screen from across Africa and the Diaspora, AFRIFF 2024 offers not only an array of powerful narratives but also industry discussions, keynote talks, and high-profile networking events featuring renowned speakers and facilitators. With its diverse program and innovative initiatives, AFRIFF 2024 is an event not to be missed for film enthusiasts, aspiring filmmakers, and anyone curious about African culture.