The African Film Press (AFP), a coalition of independent platforms dedicated to promoting African cinema, has introduced the AFP Critics Prize, an award designed to amplify critical perspectives while honouring filmmakers across the continent.
Inspired by the longstanding FIPRESCI award established by the International Federation of Film Critics in 1930, this new initiative is part of AFP’s mission to enhance the significance of film criticism within Africa’s cultural narrative. The prize’s first edition will take place in December during the Surreal16 Film Festival (S16) in Lagos, Nigeria. Launched in 2021 by Nigerian filmmakers Abba T. Makama, C.J. “Fiery” Obasi, and Michael Omonua, the festival has rapidly established itself as a major pan-African arthouse platform, evolving from their collaboration on the Locarno-selected anthology Juju Stories.
AFP unveiled this initiative at a meeting in Nairobi, Kenya. Co-founder Tambay Obenson emphasised the prize’s importance in enhancing the visibility of African critical voices at film festivals and providing recognition to filmmakers on the continent. “Surreal16 was the ideal setting to kick off this initiative,” Obenson noted, appreciating the festival’s dedication to bold and independent storytelling.
Officially established in 2024, AFP brings together three prominent regional platforms: Akoroko, which covers pan-African and global cinema; Sinema Focus, which focuses on East Africa; and What Kept Me Up, which centres on Anglophone West Africa. Additional regional partners are expected to join in the upcoming months, including a new platform focusing on Southern Africa, which is scheduled to launch in September. The formation of this organisation received support from Germany’s development agency GIZ, along with early private investments.
The founding editors of AFP will determine the inaugural AFP Critics Prize—Obenson, Jennifer Ochieng from Sinema Focus, and Ikeade Oriade of What Kept Me Up. Future editions are expected to broaden the judging panel to include various African and diaspora critics. Winners will be awarded a cash prize, a trophy, and a certificate.
“We’re thrilled to present the first AFP Critics Prize at Surreal16. Our festival has always aimed to provide a platform for innovative and daring narratives, and collaborating with African Film Press ensures that the insights of African critics contribute to this dialogue,” Obasi stated.
This partnership with Surreal16 marks the beginning of AFP’s broader goals. It plans to present the Critics Prize at four African film festivals annually, underscoring its commitment to supporting African cinema and the vital voices that capture its stories.
