AFRIFF 2024: A Celebration of African Cinema, Creativity, and Innovation!

The African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is back with a bang in 2024, marking a new chapter for African cinema and the creative industries. The 13th festival kicked off in style with a dazzling celebration of film, art, and culture, attracting top industry professionals, creatives, and movie lovers from around the world.

A Glorious Kick-Off: Celebrating African Cinema

AFRIFF 2024 officially opened with a star-studded event that featured screenings, panel discussions, and vibrant performances. As the festival continues to grow, it has become a focal point for discussing the evolution of African cinema and its global impact. The event serves as an important stage for African filmmakers to showcase their work, exchange ideas, and forge new collaborations. At a recent press conference, AFRIFF Founder Chioma Ude shared, “This year, we are emphasizing African talent and heritage, with a particular focus on our unique Nigerian flair. AFRIFF is all about celebrating who we are and showcasing the creativity and resilience within our continent.”

French Embassy Partnership: Boosting Nigeria’s Creative Industry

The French Embassy has joined forces with AFRIFF to further elevate the Nigerian creative industry. This collaboration aims to foster deeper cultural exchange and provide opportunities for Nigerian filmmakers to access international markets. The support is expected to enhance the visibility of Nigerian films on the global stage, with France playing a pivotal role in connecting Africa’s burgeoning film industry to European audiences.

Jury

This year’s jury features filmmakers from across Africa and the diaspora, including Stephen ‘Dr’ Love (producer on They Cloned Tyrone), Ego Boyo (veteran Nigerian filmmaker and actress), Dennis Ruh (former director of the European Film Market), Wafa’a Celine Halawi (Dubai-based actress), Lanre Olupona (Nigerian filmmaker and cinematographer on Gidi Blues), Victor Okhai (president of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria), Cynthia Okoye (UK-based talent agent), and Yolanda Mogatusi (South African filmmaker).

New Award Category: Honoring Industry Trailblazers

A key development at AFRIFF 2024 is the introduction of a new award category in honor of Late Herbert Wigwe, an influential figure in the Nigerian creative economy. The new category celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to both the Nigerian and African creative industries.

The newly introduced award is expected to shine a light on those who have similarly impacted the growth of African arts, culture, and film. This tribute not only acknowledges Wigwe’s personal contributions but also highlights the crucial role corporate leaders play in nurturing the creative sector.

The recipients of the inaugural award include, Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah, founder of the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Top Nollywood Films to Watch at AFRIFF 2024

This year, AFRIFF is screening some of the most anticipated Nollywood films, drawing attention to the talent and storytelling prowess emerging from Nigeria’s dynamic film industry. With a mix of drama, comedy, and thrillers, these films promise to captivate audiences and spark conversations about the future of African filmmaking. Read more…

AFRIFF 2024: The 10 Nollywood Films You Won’t Want to Miss