The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is poised to hold its 13th edition from November 3-9, 2024, at The Palms in Oniru, Lagos.
This year’s theme, “Indigenous to Global: Cultural Wealth for Global Prosperity,” reflects AFRIFF’s mission to amplify African storytelling and its impact on global cinema, while celebrating Nigeria’s burgeoning cinematic landscape and its contributions to the creative economy.
The festival will kick off with Headless, a feature directed by Nigerian filmmaker Michael W. Ndiomu, and will close with the highly anticipated Out of Breath, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Obi Emelonye, highlighting AFRIFF’s focus on elevating stories that resonate across borders and champion the African experience.
The Festival founder, Chioma Ude who spoke during the press conference with journalists about the increased focus on African talent, said “This year, we are emphasizing African talent and heritage, particularly our unique Nigerian flair. AFRIFF is all about celebrating who we are and showcasing the creativity and strength within our continent.”
In a significant addition in this year’s edition, AFRIFF announced that it will inaugurate the Herbert Wigwe Trailblazer Award. Named in memory of the late Herbert Wigwe, former Access Bank Group chairman and a notable supporter of Nigeria’s creative industries, this award will celebrate Nigerians making remarkable contributions to the arts.
The first honourees are Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah and Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Minister of Culture and Tourism Hannatu Musa Musawa will present these awards during the festival’s opening ceremony. Other award categories will recognise excellence in fields such as film, music, culinary arts, fashion, and technology, celebrating innovation across the creative spectrum.
AFRIFF 2024 promises to host an impressive array of global talent and special guests. Notable attendees include Hollywood actor John Boyega, British rapper and filmmaker Skepta, who will screen his short film Tribal Mark, and Somali-Swedish filmmaker Filson Ali.
In addition to the opening and closing films, the festival will also premiere new works by celebrated African filmmakers, including Kunle Afolayan’s Recall, Basketmouth’s A Ghetto Love Story, and Princess on a Hill, an original Showmax production.
With partnerships spanning the UK, US, South Korea, and Turkey, AFRIFF seeks to cement Africa’s role in the global film industry. These collaborations not only extend AFRIFF’s reach but also underscore its commitment to enriching African cinema by fostering cross-cultural exchanges and creating more visibility for African stories worldwide.
Each day of AFRIFF 2024 will focus on a distinct element of African cinema, fostering dialogue on African art and culture and are as follows:
• November 4 – Herbert Day: Dedicated to Wigwe’s legacy, this day will highlight his lasting impact on Nigeria’s creative economy.
• November 5 – Co-Production Day: Focused on fostering international film partnerships, encouraging collaborations that bring African stories to a wider audience.
• November 6 – Animation Day: Showcasing the growing talent in African animation and highlighting unique approaches in animated storytelling.
• November 7 – Television Day: Spotlighting television’s evolving role in African storytelling and its contribution to the wider media landscape.
• November 8 – Afro-Unity Day: Dedicated to strengthening Pan-African unity and collaboration within the global film ecosystem.
• November 9 – AFRIFF Globe Awards: Culminating the festival, the awards ceremony will celebrate excellence in AFRIFF’s diverse categories.
Through its commitment to championing African voices, AFRIFF 2024 is set to celebrate the vibrant storytelling heritage of Africa, offering both local and international audiences a glimpse into the cultural wealth and artistic diversity of the continent.
Chioma Kalu
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