The 14th edition of the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is set to run from November 2 to 8, 2025, promising a richer and more dynamic experience. A major highlight this year is the introduction of the AFRIFF Film and Content Market (AFCM), scheduled to hold between November 3 and 6, expanding opportunities for collaboration and business within Africa’s creative ecosystem.
Themed “Rhythms of the Content: The Afrobeat’s Film Movement,” this edition celebrates the synergy between Africa’s music and film cultures. As always, AFRIFF will feature film screenings, masterclasses, workshops, and pitch sessions—creating a vibrant space for industry professionals, students, and enthusiasts to connect, learn, and showcase their craft.
So far, details on what to expect as regards the masterclasses, selection and even jury members have been revealed. So here are the jury members as well as their various categories:
AFRIFF Feature Film Jury
* Andrea Voges – Head of Programming, Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), recognised for shaping Africa’s film showcase landscape.
* Kayode Jegede – Founding Director, SOOP Africa, known for promoting authentic African narratives with international appeal.
* Jackie Lyanga – Director of Film Programming, Berlinale, bringing extensive experience in connecting African cinema with global audiences.
* Tim McNeal – SVP, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion, Disney, dedicated to fostering diversity and mentorship in entertainment.
AFRIFF Documentary Jury
* Stephen Love – Acclaimed producer behind globally recognised projects that celebrate Black storytelling and diversity.
* Ranada Shepard – Showrunner and producer committed to authentic representation and narrative depth.
* Carl Rumbaugh – Manager/Producer at 23 Management Group, known for his keen talent discovery and strategic film development.
AFRIFF Shorts, Animation & Student Film Jury
* Ahmad Al-Othman – Representative of the Oman Film Society, broadcaster, and scriptwriter promoting Arab-African cinematic collaboration.
* Victor Sanchez Aghahowa – Head of Production, MultiChoice West Africa, award-winning creator dedicated to nurturing emerging filmmakers.
This year, 93 films from across Africa have been selected, divided into competitive and non-competitive categories. However, a total of 33 Nigerian films made the final selections. Here’s a breakdown of the Nigerian films to look out for at the festival:
Feature Category: In Competition
3 Cold Dishes
Kicking off the festival screenings on the opening night is 3 Cold Dishes. The revenge thriller is set across Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritania, and the Benin Republic. Making is a vibrant and rich story that blends common tales across these African countries. The film promises a visually rich, emotionally charged journey, blending drama, suspense, and action.
3 Cold Dishes tells the story of Esosa, Fatouma, and Giselle, three women trafficked as teenagers who formed a deep bond in captivity. Two decades later, hardened by trauma but united by purpose, they reunite to launch a meticulously planned mission against the men who once owned their lives.
The cast features a powerful mix of Nigerian talent—Osas Ighodaro, Wale Ojo, Femi Jacobs, Ruby Akubueze and Brutus Mfon—alongside actors from across Francophone and Anglophone Africa. Ivorian actors Fat Toure and Maud Guérard bring diverse perspectives, while Senegalese stars Amelie Mbaye and Mentor Ba deepen the film’s continental authenticity, underscoring its truly Pan-African scope. The film is bilingual, delivered in both English and French.
3 Cold Dishes is expected to commence screening across cinemas nationwide on November 7, 2025.
Aljana
Directed and executive produced by Grace Yakubu, with production by Gold One Studios, One Films Production, and Cave Stories.
The story takes place in a remote northern village dominated by religious terror, a young girl risks everything to save a boy condemned by the community as cursed. Her defiance sparks a rebellion against the beliefs that hold her people captive; a story of courage, compassion, and freedom.
Key Cast include Nadia Dutch, Paul Sambo, Rekiya Atta, Bala Bamaiyi, Umar Gombe, Ella Balat, Richard Bmabaiye.
Fractured
Directed by Kayode Kasum, written by Dare Olaitan, and produced by Tolu Babs Omish and Kasum.
The Story follows Tosin Aigo, a successful businesswoman and adopted heiress to Nigeria’s largest snack empire, who seems to have it all. But after a violent robbery at her home, her world begins to spiral. Haunted by visions of her double, Tosin uncovers betrayal, hidden trauma, and dark secrets that threaten her sanity. Her fractured identity may hold the key to her downfall, or her redemption.
Key cast include Atlanta Bridget Johnson, Etim Effiong, Shaffy Bello.
The Boy Who Gave
Directed by Allison Precious Emmanuel. The cast includes Allison Nuel, Tina Mba, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Chuks Jospeh, Delight Abbey, Hart Andrew and Somieari LongJohn.
To Adaego With Love
Directed by Nwamaka Priscilla Chikezie, written and produced by Brenda Ogbukaa-Garub.
A touching romantic drama set in post-war Nigeria, To Adaego With Love uses music to tell a story of healing and unity. With Nwamaka Chikezie at the helm, this film promises beauty, nostalgia, and emotional depth.
After the Nigerian civil war, a forbidden love blooms between a soldier and a schoolteacher. Through music, they find a way to heal themselves and a nation still scarred by conflict.
The cast include Chisom Agoawuike, Adam Garba, Bob-Manuel Odogwu, Chioma Chukwuka, Demi Banwo, Riyo David, Sydney Diala, Onyeka Onwenu.
Feature Films: Out of Competition
Njem
Directed by Uche Chukwu, The story follows a young hustler who dreams of migrating to a better life. But when fate ties his escape to a painful moral choice, he must decide between love and survival. Njem is a story of ambition, sacrifice, and what it means to be free.
The cast include Chimezie Imo, Goodness Emmanuel, Rotimi Salami, Kelechi Udegbe, Tina Mba, Tana Adelana, Toyin Oshinaike, Tomi Ojo, Abayomi Olukanmi
Safari
Directed by Obi Emelonye, written by Tunde Babalola, and produced by Obi Emelonye and Reuben Odanga from Kenya.
Eight years in the making, Safari unites Nollywood and Kenyan cinema in a breathtaking story of self-discovery. Directed by Obi Emelonye and co-produced with the Kenyan Tourism Board, it’s a cinematic love letter to Africa’s landscapes and emotional depths.
The story folows A senator’s wife, who worn down by her husband’s presidential campaign and their crumbling marriage, seeks peace on a safari in Kenya. But instead of escape, she finds herself in the middle of new drama and self-realization.
Key Cast includes Osas Ighodaro, Ali Nuhu, Anthony Monjaro, Jidekene Achufusi, Kenneth Ambani, Helen Keli. Safari will afterwards premiere across cinemas nationwide on November 21, 2025.
The Good Gift
A second screening slate for Kayode Kasum who is the director of this project. Produced by Chris Odeh,The Good Gift is a deeply emotional story that celebrates one of life’s most enduring bonds , the love between a father and his daughter. Poignant and heartfelt, it captures the tenderness, sacrifice, and beauty of love in its purest form.
It stars; Williams Uchemba, Lateef Adedimeji, Uzor Arukwe, Hild Dokubo
Three Tramps and the Law
Directed and produced by Yibo Koko the story follows four strangers who chase wealth in Port Harcourt. Only to uncover greed, lies, and deceit within themselves. Their adventures show that sometimes, the biggest battles are not with others , but within.
The castincludes Nse Ikpe-Etim, Kayla Eva, Femi Jacobs, Nkem Owoh, Ada Ameh, Charles Inojie, Tamara Eteimo, Bethel Njoku, Oyetoro Hafiz, Daniel Nnwoka
Son of the Soil
Directed by Chee Keong Cheung, written by and starring Raz Adoti, and produced by Action Xtreme. Son of the Soil blends Nigeria’s grit with global action filmmaking, the movie promises thrilling storytelling and deep emotion.
The story follows Nigerian soldier Zion Ladejo, returns home after his sister’s tragic death. Haunted by his past, his search for justice turns into a violent quest for redemption, forcing him to confront the demons within.
The cast includes Raz Adoti, Iretiola Doyle, Sunshine Rosman, Philip Asaya, Damilola Ogunsi, Taye Arimoro, Emeka Golden, Sharon Rotimi, James “BlacQ”
Mother’s Love
According to an exclusive report by Shock Ng, Mother’s Love by Nollywood star actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is also to screen at the festival. The story is said to be inspired by Omotola Jalade’s inspiring and deeply personal story.
Following its world premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, it marks a powerful new chapter in her career. The Story follows a young woman from a privileged background who breaks free to find her purpose during her NYSC year. Along the way, she discovers strength, family, and the limitless love of a mother.
The cast included Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Ifeanyi Kalu, Noray Nehita, Lilian Afegbai, Nosa Rex, Olumide Oworu.
Shorts: In competition
Choices Directed by Nwamaka Priscilia Chikezie
Ẹlẹ́ da Àyànmọ́ Directed by Stanley Obi Arinze
Mr Rogers Directed by Daniel Aigbokhaivbo
Seed Directed by Chawuko Enakadia,
Telephone Directed by Fimisinuola Adejonwo
The Day The Heart Died Directed by Russell Oru
Shorts: Out of Competition
Akoko Directed by S.I. Abrams
Irin Ajo (The Journey) Directed by Myde Glover
Isekonu Directed by Emmanuel “Story Priest” Adejo
On Our Skin Directed by Abiodun Udom, Emmanuel Adejo
Steal. Kill. Destroy Directed by Joy Isi Bewaji
The Girl Who Cannot Love Directed by Oluwafemi Peter Atoyebi
The Moral High Court Directed by Chisom Valerie Ifeakandu
What Emma Wants Directed by Samuel Kehinde Njoku
Idia Directed by Winifred Iguwa
Documentary: In Competition
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Afrobeat Directed by Louis Ejiofor
Out of Competition
Shades of Survival Directed by David Ayeni
Animation: In Competition
Hadu Directed by Damilola Solesi
Leon and the Professor Directed by Chekwube Okonkwo
Melon Street Directed by Adeoye Adetunji
No One Hears Us Directed by Esther Kemi Gbadamosi
Student Shorts: In competition
The Labyrinth Directed by Toluwalope Okunade Ebiseni
Student Shorts: Out Of Competition
Angel In The Stone Directed by Doyinsola Ajayi
Brushed Dreams Directed by Itorobong Joan Asanga
More details on AFRIFF 2025 will be shared as the start date of the festival draws near.
About the Author
