Open to all films
We welcome Nigerian independent cinema, African cinema, diaspora and transnational narratives, social impact storytelling, new voices, and bold experiments.
AAIFF 2026 · Submissions Open · 28 November 2026
Submit Your Film
The Future is Storytold
AAIFF welcomes all films — features, shorts, documentaries, animation, student work, diaspora stories, and more. Send us the work that carries more than one place.
Festival date: Saturday, 28 November 2026 at Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos. Final submission deadline: October 30, 2026.
Open Call
A festival programme broad enough for the continent, the diaspora, and the journeys between them.
We accept films across formats, genres, and storytelling approaches that align with AAIFF’s vision of African and diaspora cinema.
Premiere status
Premiere status is preferred but not mandatory. Films that have screened elsewhere are welcome if they align with our programming vision and have not had a theatrical release.
Complete works only
Only completed films are accepted. Labs and development programmes support projects still in earlier stages.
Screener & materials
Submissions should include a secure screener link and press materials. Fee waivers are available for student and community filmmakers.
Categories
What we are accepting.
Submit into the category that best fits your work — including our dedicated SDG & Agenda 2063 track.
Feature Films
Short Films
Documentaries
Student Films
Animation
Nigerian Cinema
African Cinema
Social Impact
SDG & Agenda 2063
Diaspora Cinema
Cross-Border Collaborations
Eligibility
Who can participate?
Filmmakers across Africa and the diaspora — emerging and established — whose work speaks to independent African storytelling.
All Formats
Features, shorts, documentaries, animation, and experimental work.
Africa & Diaspora
Nigerian-led, African, diaspora, and cross-border collaborations.
Students Welcome
Student and community filmmakers may apply for fee waivers.
Special Track
SDGs & Agenda 2063 Short Film Category
A dedicated impact track within the open call — for shorts that connect creativity with measurable development goals.
Young filmmakers
Aimed at African filmmakers aged 18–30 telling stories of real challenges and pathways to change.
Impact focus
Films addressing at least one UN SDG target and/or Agenda 2063 aspiration, with strong storytelling craft.
School reach
Selected titles may travel through the SDG Book Club African Chapter Ambassador Schools Program.
Awards
Recognition for craft, courage, and impact.
Grand Nigerian Cinema Prize
Best First Feature
Documentary Vision Award
Short Film Jury Prize
Animation Craft Award
Audience Choice
Gender and Social Impact Storytelling
Literary Adaptation Prize
SDG Storytelling Award
Timeline
Key dates.
Early Bird
June 2026
Final Deadline
October 30, 2026
Festival
28 November 2026
Silverbird Galleria, Lagos
What We Are Looking For
Stories that matter, stories that move.
Powerful storytelling
Cultural authenticity
Creative craft
African and diaspora perspectives
Emotional resonance
Bold independent voices
Ready to submit?
Whether your film is a feature, a short, a documentary, or an SDG impact piece — AAIFF 2026 is open for your story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know.
The Future is Storytold