AFRIFF 2026 Reiterates Bold Storytelling, to Open with Debut Feature, ‘LADY’
Ferdinand Ekechukwu
This year’s Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is set to open with LADY, the feature debut of Nigerian filmmaker Olive Nwosu.
Set against the vibrant and complex backdrop of Lagos, the film follows a young taxi driver who takes on the job of transporting a group of sex workers on their nightly rounds. Among them is a childhood friend she has not seen in years.
As their journeys unfold, she confronts painful memories, personal prejudices and the realities of the women whose lives intersect with hers. Blending social commentary with an intimate exploration of friendship, sisterhood and resilience, LADY offers a compelling portrait of women navigating life on their own terms in a rapidly changing city.
The film’s selection as the opening feature sets the tone for a festival committed to bold storytelling, fresh perspectives and the creative power of African filmmakers to bring complex, distinctly local experiences to international audiences. Bringing the festival to a close.
It’s the Blackness, the feature directorial debut of acclaimed actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim.
The film is a black comedy-drama with elements of romance, following friends Eniola and Jordan as they navigate personal, family and immigration challenges while trying to build a future for themselves. Produced by Dapo Oshiyemi, the film explores ambition, friendship, identity and the determination to create opportunity in difficult circumstances.
Its closing-night presentation offers a fitting conclusion to a festival examining the intersection of creative ambition, enterprise and the evolving realities of African and diaspora’s storytelling. Organisers of the annual festival recently disclosed that the 15th edition of AFRIFF is scheduled to hold in Lagos, from November 1st–7th 2026, with the theme “Frames of the Future: Africa’s Creative Intelligence.
This year’s festival celebrates the imagination, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit shaping the future of African cinema and the wider creative industry.
The 2026 edition explores how African storytellers are redefining narratives, embracing emerging technologies and creative formats, and developing innovative business models to finance, produce and distribute their work.
“African cinema is entering an exciting new chapter, driven not only by the power of our stories but also by the intelligence, innovation and enterprise behind them,” AFRIFF Founder and Festival Director, Chioma Ude, said. “With ‘Frames of the Future: Africa’s Creative Intelligence,’ we are celebrating the people reimagining how African stories are created, financed, experienced and shared with the world.”
With a programme spanning film screenings, industry conversations, masterclasses, networking opportunities and the Africa Film & Content Market, AFRIFF seeks to amplify African voices, unlock new opportunities and strengthen the continent’s position in global storytelling. Hoping to inspire new possibilities, encourage meaningful industry connections and help translate Africa’s creative potential into sustainable opportunities.
