As AFRIFF Reiterates Commitment to Supporting African Cinema

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

The 2024 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) wrapped up its week-long festival with the AFRIFF Globe Awards recently. Sharing the AFRIFF journey, the 13th edition celebrated and advanced African cinema and talent with the theme, “Indigenous to Global: Cultural Wealth to Global Prosperity.” 

The festival was filled with impactful industry sessions, insightful panel discussions, masterclasses that broadened horizons, daily showcases of remarkable films, blockbuster premieres, and evenings spent networking, celebrating, and dancing. Participants and sponsors of this edition made it extraordinary as it was truly a remarkable week.

Festival-goers enjoyed access to screenings of films that tackled issues ranging from social justice and identity to romance and urban development. AFRIFF also doubled as an educational hub for emerging filmmakers, offering training and skill enhancement opportunities that many students considered “invaluable.”

One of the continent’s premier art events, this year’s edition brought together veteran voices and fresh talents, showcasing a spectrum of African stories that spanned genres, languages, and perspectives, providing an intimate view into the highs, the growth areas, and the transformative impact of AFRIFF.

The week witnessed the prestigious AFRIFF Globe Awards, where outstanding talent, the creativity and dedication that are propelling African cinema to new heights were celebrated. From short films to features, and from animation to documentary, each award reflected commitment to recognising the best of African storytelling.

AFRIFF attracts renowned filmmakers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts from around the globe. While this year’s event has ended, organisers of the AFRIFF reiterated its commitment to supporting and amplifying African cinema year-round, promising to continue to showcase the stories, talent, and vision that define African cinema.