AFRIFF at a glance
When we discuss movie productions, Nigerians understand the assignment. When it comes to honoring and giving credit to these works—not limited to Nigeria—the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) does a fantastic job. AFRIFF 2024 returned as a touchstone for African film.
Running for over 13 years now, the AFRIFF has proven again and again to be the most anticipated and exciting film festival on the continent. The organisers describe it as “Africa’s most vibrant film festival experience, which consistently delivers an energetic and exciting hub of real people making real connections and has gradually built a reputation for delivering real value.”
Theme, Dates & Mission
The 13th edition of AFRIFF, themed “Indigenous to Global: Cultural Wealth to Global Prosperity,” ran from November 3 – 9, 2024. It brought together filmmakers, actors, and movie enthusiasts from across Africa and beyond for a week of not just film screenings but also panel discussions, masterclasses, and networking sessions. All these activities had one goal: celebrating African films and talents.
Awards & Notable Winners
This celebration wasn’t just limited to the movie screenings alone; AFRIFF 2024 honoured the best films and creators across the continent, and awards were given out to recognize the efforts and contributions of individuals to the development of the African film industry. There were awards in categories such as Feature, Documentary, Short, Animation, and Students’ Short, as well as awards and prizes in Directing, Acting, and Screenplay. There were also special awards for Audience choice and a Jury award for outstanding film. For instance, Phoenix Fury, directed by Ifeoma N. Chukwuogo, was awarded the Best Feature Film. In a post on Pulse.ng, the list of winners in the categories listed above was published.
It didn’t just end there. A lot of attendees took to their socials and posted about the amazing time they had at the event. One of the attendees, Waliu Fagbemi said, “I had so much fun learning and watching so many beautiful films from around the world at this year’s Afriff – My first Afriff in 5 years. A review on AFRIFF’s official website noted, “AFRIFF was /is a fantastic film festival. I am very grateful to have been a part of this event. The ceremonies were amazing.”
Panels, Masterclasses & Networking
With an excellent track record spanning over 13 years, AFRIFF has shown commitment to nurturing African narratives. It continues to recognize filmmakers who tell authentic stories through compelling visuals and attention-grabbing storylines
As AFRIFF looks ahead to its 14th edition in 2025, the festival promises to be bigger and better, continuing its mission to amplify African voices on the global stage.
