The festival, scheduled to hold from November 1 to 7, 2026, will bring together filmmakers, investors, technology innovators and international partners for a week of film screenings, industry discussions and networking opportunities in Lagos.

The programme was unveiled at a press conference at Mikano International’s headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos, attended by diplomatic representatives, government officials, corporate sponsors and members of the creative industry.

This year’s edition is themed “Frames of the Future,” with programming guided by the concept of “Africa’s Creative Intelligence.” The selection includes 23 feature films among 135 films, with women accounting for 55 per cent of the selected features through directing, producing or central involvement in the stories.

AFRIFF founder Chioma Ude said the strong representation of women emerged during the selection process, describing it as an indication of the growing contribution of women to African filmmaking.

She also addressed concerns about artificial intelligence and its potential impact on employment in the creative sector, arguing that filmmakers should learn to use the technology to improve their work rather than view it solely as a threat.

Ude maintained that professionals who understand how to integrate AI into their creative processes could gain an advantage as the industry continues to evolve.

The anniversary edition will feature a mix of African stories, debut projects and international productions, with the opening and closing films offering different perspectives on contemporary filmmaking.

The festival will open with Lady, directed by Oliver Omoresu. The Lagos-set African neo-noir follows a young taxi driver who transports a group of sex workers along their nightly routes. Gucci Franklin leads the cast.

The closing film, It’s the Blackness, marks the feature directorial debut of veteran actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim. The black comedy-drama, featuring romantic elements, stars Kalu Ikeagwu and Marcy Dolapo Oni. Its story explores friendship, personal ambition, family expectations and immigration-related challenges.

AFRIFF will also screen international productions through partnerships with diplomatic missions, expanding opportunities for audiences to experience filmmaking from other parts of the world.

Among the featured titles is the American film If I Go, Will They Miss Me, written and directed by Walter Thompson-Hernández and starring Danielle Brooks. The Italian film The Traitor, directed by Marco Bellocchio, will be presented in partnership with the Italian Embassy, while a Norwegian Oscar-winning production will be screened in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy.

The festival will conclude its seven-day programme with the AFRIFF Globe Awards, recognising achievements across the film industry.