From Lagos to the World: AFRIFF 2024 Spotlights Indigenous Talent

Mary Nnah

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is set to illuminate African stories on the global stage with its 13th edition, scheduled for November 3-9, 2024, at AFRIFF HUB, The Palms, Oniru.

This year’s theme, “Indigenous to Global: Cultural Wealth to Global Prosperity,” underscores AFRIFF’s mission to elevate African storytelling to worldwide acclaim.

The festival’s opening night will feature the highly anticipated crime thriller “HEADLESS,” directed by Michael W. Ndiomu. The film’s gritty narrative, centered around a Nigerian filmmaker, embodies AFRIFF’s vision of blending local narratives with global appeal.

“African filmmaking is rapidly evolving, and Nigeria is at its core,” said AFRIFF Founder Chioma Ude. “With films like HEADLESS, we aim to showcase how African stories can stay true to cultural roots while resonating globally.”

The 7-day festival promises to showcase the best of African cinema, fostering cultural exchange and global recognition for the continent’s rich storytelling heritage.

This year’s festival will feature 150 films from Africa and the Diaspora, along with industry discussions and networking events. The closing night film, OUT OF BREATH by Obi Emelonye, is a cinematic journey into Igbo culture, blending romance, action, and traditional proverbs to create a globally engaging story.

Coming off a global tour which included AFRIFF’s participation at UNGA 79 New York where FMACCE powered by AFREXIM presented the Global Cultural Experience Initiative on the road to Destination 20230. HM Hannatu Musawa brought together industry leaders to explore strategies for harnessing Nigeria’s creative potential to drive global influence & prosperity, pushing home Ude’s panel discussion with Chapel Denham CEO Bolaji Balogun , Ukonwa Ojo and Tae-lim Oh on leveraging cultural wealth. Prof Benedict Oramsh during his keynote emphasized Afrexim’s commitment to a brighter future of the African creative space.

CANEX 24 Algiers was another platform that allowed AFRIFF to present the film students straight out of Afriff Academy in partnership with University of Creative Art. 30 scriptwriters across Africa were also selected to pitch before Showmax, Filmone & Lavida Studios leading to 3 finalists from Nigeria, South Africa & Uganda.