With 85 per cent of movies either directed by women, produced by women, or about women, women at this year’s Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) alongside technology, collaboration and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will take prominence at this year’s festival.
Themed “Frames of the Future: Capturing What’s Next, Today,” this year’s festival will explore the future of African cinema, technology and storytelling.

The 15th edition will take place from November, 2026 to November 2026 7, 2026, bringing together filmmakers, producers, distributors, investors, industry professionals and audiences.
At the media parley held at the Mikano showroom in Victoria Island, Lagos, ahead of its 15th edition, scheduled to run from November 1-7, 2026, the organiser highlighted plans for industry sessions, masterclasses and the Africa Film & Content Market (AFCM), which aims to connect African filmmakers and producers with international buyers and distributors.

Founder of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) Chioma Ude, said: “This is a special and a milestone edition for us; we are focusing on technology, AI, how we are navigating regarding to film.
“Interestingly, 85 per cent of the movies selected are either directed by women, produced by women or stories by women or of women so, I believe that the film of the future is women and technology.
On what makes the edition special, she said: “So many things make this year’s edition special. There will be a lot of co-production deals. Oman will be sending a delegation of 10 people with scripts, meet with producers and go into production with Nigerians.
“There is something remarkable happening with South Africa. We just signed a three-year contract and there will be a lot of co-production involving residency programme
“Brazil is coming with two films to co-produce so, filmmakers need to go into the world more.
When asked about the number of movies for the festival, Udeh who is also the Founder, Africa Film and Content Market (AFCM), said: “135 with 23 features films are expected for this year’s edition. We have two workshops; Globalization IP Policies and how to use the tools. Technology of films will be a good discussion this year and how films can move forward.
“Alongside the festival, AFCM provides a dedicated market platform for business, partnerships, content acquisition, investment and professional exchange across Africa’s film and television ecosystem.”

Speaking also Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa who was represented by Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini said that AFRIFF has not merely been a date on cultural calendar for 15 years and has been a monument to African storytelling, a catalyst for economic growth within the creative sector, and a bridge linking local genius to the global stage.

“This year’s theme resonates deeply with the core mandate of our Ministry. As a government, we are actively reshaping policies to support technology, distribution, and infrastructure in the creative arts. “Frames of the Future” challenges our filmmakers to look beyond the horizon, embracing cutting-edge technology, innovative narratives, and global collaborations to redefine what African cinema means for generations to come.
However, we cannot speak of the future of African cinema without honoring the bedrock upon which this modern era is built.

“On behalf of the Federal Government and the entire creative industry, I want to pay a glowing, heartfelt tribute to the visionary founder of AFRIFF, Chioma Ude Chioma, to conceive a vision is one thing, but to sustain it with unwavering excellence for fifteen years is an extraordinary feat of patriotism and leadership. You have continuously pushed the boundaries of African cinema, championed capacity building for thousands of young creatives through the AFRIFF Academy, and fiercely protected the dignity of the African narrative. Through sheer resilience, you have positioned Nigeria as the roaring engine of African film.
“I want to assure AFRIFF of the Ministry’s unalloyed partnership and institutional support.
To the media, help us broadcast these “Frames of the Future” to the corners of the earth.”