The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is excited to announce its 13th edition, which will take place at the AFRIFF HUB, located at The Palms, Oniru, Lagos, from Sunday, November 3rd to Saturday, November 9th, 2024. With this year’s theme, “Indigenous to Global: Cultural Wealth to Global Prosperity,” AFRIFF aims to further elevate African storytelling on the global stage.
The founder of AFRIFF, Chioma Ude, shared that the festival will kick off with the eagerly awaited crime thriller HEADLESS, directed by Michael W. Ndiomu. The film traces the challenging journey of a Nigerian filmmaker and epitomizes AFRIFF’s goal of merging local stories with a worldwide appeal. “The landscape of African filmmaking is rapidly changing, and Nigeria is at the forefront. With films like HEADLESS, we want to highlight how authentic African narratives can remain rooted in culture while connecting with audiences globally,” Ude stated.
This year’s festival promises a lineup of 150 films from Africa and the Diaspora, industry discussions, and networking opportunities. The festival will conclude with the screening of OUT OF BREATH, directed by Obi Emelonye. The film beautifully delves into Igbo culture, combining elements of romance, action, and traditional proverbs to create a compelling story that resonates across cultures.
Recently, AFRIFF took part in a global tour, including its presence at UNGA 79 in New York, where FMACCE, powered by AFREXIM, launched the Global Cultural Experience Initiative to support Destination 2030. During this event, HM Hannatu Musawa gathered industry leaders to discuss strategies for leveraging Nigeria’s creative potential for global influence and prosperity. Ude’s panel discussion included notable figures such as Chapel Denham CEO Bolaji Balogun, Ukonwa Ojo, and Tae-lim Oh, focusing on the importance of cultural wealth. Prof. Benedict Oramsh delivered a keynote address emphasizing Afrexim’s commitment to a brighter future for the African creative industry.
Additionally, at CANEX 24 Algiers, AFRIFF provided a platform for film students from the AFRIFF Academy to showcase their talent in collaboration with the University of Creative Art. Thirty scriptwriters from across Africa were selected to pitch their ideas to Showmax, Filmone, and Lavida Studios, ultimately leading to three finalists from Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda.
