Get Guardian on GoogleStars from Hollywood, Nollywood, and across the global film industry have ushered in the 15th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).
Themed “Frames of the Future: Capturing What’s Next, Today,” this year’s festival explores the future of African cinema, technology, and storytelling.
Taking place at the Royal Box Event Centre on Adeola Odeku, the 15th edition of AFRIFF brings together filmmakers, producers, distributors, investors, industry professionals, and audiences.
A total of 135 films, including 23 feature films, are scheduled for this year’s edition, along with two workshops.
The organisers 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: “It’s been a wonderful journey so far; there has been so much growth. AFRIFF grows bigger each year because we double our efforts, working twice as hard as the previous year.”
On selecting Lady for the opening, she said: “It turned out that the day our programmer sent all the films, we discovered that 85 percent of the selected films were either produced by women, directed by women, or focused on stories by women. So, I understood that the frames of the future will be AI technology driven by women.”
She added: “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 to meet with producers and go into production with Nigerians.”
Also speaking, Nollywood actor John Ekanem said: “I expect creativity to top the agenda in this year’s edition. There should also be more connections. Women are powerhouses, and it’s good we are catching up on this side. I am excited that women are making waves.”
Hollywood actor Djimon Hounsou noted: “This is the first African film festival I am attending in my 35-year career in Hollywood. I am grateful to the organisers for inviting me; this is a homecoming.”
