The Ngalabi Short Film Festival, one of Africa’s most exciting celebrations of short cinema has officially opened its submissions for the 10th anniversary edition!
This is a golden opportunity for African filmmakers and storytellers to showcase their creative voices on an international platform rooted in cinematic innovation and cultural dialogue.
Organised by Goethe-Zentrum Kampala and the Ugandan German Cultural Society, the festival has become a vibrant hub for African short films since its inception in 2017.
Celebrating bold storytelling and diverse perspectives from across the continent and its diaspora.
In past editions, the festival has screened films from countries including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Namibia and beyond, shining a spotlight on both emerging talents and established voices in African cinema.
What You Need to Know
Filmmakers are invited to submit their original short films by 28 February 2026.
Your work should reflect creative vision and cinematic strength whether that’s dramatic storytelling, experimental sound and visuals, animated expression, documentary truth-telling, or genre-bending narrative.
Submissions are to be emailed directly to the festival curator at: curator.ngalabishorts@gmail.com
While specific rules for the 10th edition are still being finalised by organisers, past submissions required films to be under 30 minutes, include English subtitles, and provide synopses, director biographies, and high-quality stills alongside viewing links a format that helps programmers understand both the story and the creative team behind it.
Why Ngalabi Matters
For nearly a decade, Ngalabi Short Film Festival has done more than screen films.
It has nurtured the growth of African cinema, offering a platform for filmmakers to connect with audiences, peers, and industry experts in immersive screenings and panel discussions.
The festival has spotlighted a range of genres from magical realism to documentary and afro-surrealism, amplifying cinematic voices that explore identity, culture, innovation, love, loss, and societal change.
Past editions have included panel discussions and workshops with industry figures, providing invaluable insights into filmmaking, distribution, storytelling craft, and creative collaboration.
That sense of community and exchange is what continues to make Ngalabi a standout festival in Africa’s cultural calendar.
Mark Your Calendar
- Submission Deadline: 28 February 2026
- Festival Dates: TBA (usually mid-year)
- Submit to: curator.ngalabishorts@gmail.com
Whether you’re a filmmaker crafting bold new narratives, an animator exploring the edge of visual storytelling, or a documentarian unearthing powerful real-world stories.
Ngalabi Short Film Festival 2026 is your chance to reach new audiences and elevate African cinema to a global stage.
For full submission guidelines, festival updates, and announcements, visit the official Ngalabi Short Film Festival website and follow their Instagram page: @ngalabishorts
Stay tuned for the festival schedule, guest reveals, programming announcements, and more!