2026 PROGRAMS
A Live Changing Experience
Programs a AFFIF 2026 are designed to provide premium visibility and promotions for films by impact filmmakers and social change stakeholders, as well as provide professional capacity building, networking, distribution, collaboration and funding opportunities for both emerging and practicing filmmakers. The festival programs include:
Film Screening
AFFIF 2026 will screen 20 films (short & feature narrative, documentary and animation films) across the 3 day film festival, and a Q & A session held for a few selected films. For audiences across the world joining the festival virtually,
we are not able to provide virtual access to the films, as the filmmakers haven’t permitted such, however, there will be virtual access for post screening conversations.
Panel Sessions
Panel discussions at AFFIF explores film industry themes, as well as human right and social justice themes including Human Rights, Democracy, Accountability, Human Trafficking, Gender Equity, Sexual & Gender Based Violence, Climate Change, Drug Abuse & Drug Trafficking, Health, Peace-Security and Counter Terrorism, Digital Rights, and Technology as a tool for social change, among others.
Film Fellowship & Pitching
Films For Impact Fellowship will mentor 15 emerging filmmakers on Impact storytelling, empowering filmmakers on how to use film to spur critical thinking on human right and social justice issues, foster civic engagement, influence policies, and cultivate behavioral change. It will convene emerging storytellers from across Africa, to develop stories that shed light on the cultural, traditional, societal, and historical narratives.
Actors Workshop & Showcase
Actors workshop provides opportunity for professional training and career mentorship for both emerging and practicing actors seeking to amplify their visibility and showcase their talents to film and television professionals.
It also provides a platform for Actors to showcase their showreels, to film producers and directors, with a view to promoting their talent, and securing acting roles in great movies.
Networking & Connections
AFFIF brings together filmmakers, producers, actors, development partners, donors, NGOs, government institutions, embassies, investors, and media professionals in one collaborative space. Through curated networking sessions, industry mixers, and partnership forums, participants build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, explore funding opportunities, and forge collaborations that drive lasting social impact.
Impact Awards
The AFFIF Impact Awards celebrate outstanding films, filmmakers, actors, and changemakers whose work inspires dialogue, influences positive action, and advances social transformation across Africa. Recognizing excellence in impact storytelling, the awards honour creativity, courage, innovation, and the power of cinema to shape a better future.
European Union Short Film Competition Grand Finale
AFFIF 2026 proudly hosts the Grand Finale of the European Union Short Film Competition, bringing together Africa's emerging storytellers to celebrate creativity, innovation, and social impact. This landmark collaboration showcases outstanding short films while strengthening dialogue, cultural exchange, and youth engagement through the transformative power of cinema.
World Premiere of THE QUIET
AFFIF 2026 proudly presents the world premiere of the highly anticipated series THE QUIET as the festival's closing film. This gripping social-impact drama, WITH THE TAGLINE "Remember Their Names", and the tough question "What Is The Cost of Silence", confronts one of Africa's most urgent realities, igniting meaningful conversations and exemplifying the transformative power of storytelling to inspire awareness, action, and lasting change.