AFRIFF (Africa International Film Festival, Lagos)
AFRIFF is Africas premier film festival based in Nigeria, held annually in November in Lagos. Founded in 2010 by Chioma Ude, it has grown into one of the continents most important platforms for African cinema, connecting Nollywood and West African film to international markets. AFRIFF runs a full industry programme including content licensing, co-production deals, and distribution agreements. Partnership with MTN — Africas largest telco. The NFVF sponsors a South African delegation annually.
Deadline
Regular: 6 August 2026 — Late: 26 August 2026 (notifications by 3 October 2026)
Cost
Feature/Documentary: $20 regular / $25 late. Shorts/Animation/Student: lower fees. Discounts for students & FilmFreeway Gold.
Format
Features, documentaries, shorts, animation, student films.
Eligibility
Open to filmmakers globally with focus on African cinema. Submissions via FilmFreeway.
What You Get
Festival screening and awards eligibility. Access to industry programme including licensing, co-production, and distribution. Networking with pan-African and international professionals.
What to Submit
Completed film via FilmFreeway. Films produced within the previous calendar year. Non-English films must include English subtitles. Concise press kit required.
Insider Tips
AFRIFF is the primary industry platform for Nigerias film sector — the largest in Africa by volume. Combined with the Durban FilmMart (Southern Africa) and FESPACO (Francophone Africa), AFRIFF completes the trio of continent-defining African film industry events.
AFRIFF 2026: Submissions open 6 May 2026. Regular deadline 6 Aug 2026. Late deadline 26 Aug 2026. Festival 1–7 November 2026.
Verify dates and eligibility on the official website before applying.
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