The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has over the years, cemented its reputation as the beating heart of African cinema.
A space where stories find their power, voices find their audience, and creators from across the continent unite under one banner of artistic excellence.
Founded in 2010 by Chioma Ude, AFRIFF was born from a bold vision: to create a world-class platform that celebrates and elevates African storytelling on a global stage.
From its humble beginnings, the festival has grown into Africa’s most prestigious film and creative gathering, attracting filmmakers, producers, actors, and industry stakeholders from all over the world.
It’s not just a festival it’s a cultural movement, a homecoming for creators, and a showcase of the brilliance that defines African cinema.
AFRIFF 2025: Two Venues, One Vision
This year’s edition:n AFRIFF 2025: “Rhythms of the Continent” was nothing short of electrifying.
For the first time, the festival was hosted across two dynamic locations in Lagos: Landmark Event Centre and Twin Waters.
The screenings and masterclasses ran simultaneously at Landmark and Filmhouse Cinemas, offering attendees the ultimate creative immersion.
From gripping short films and documentaries to thought-provoking feature screenings, every frame reflected the heart and hustle of African cinema.
The atmosphere was vibrant, buzzing with filmmakers sharing ideas, fans meeting their heroes, and everyone celebrating the continent’s creative evolution.
Meanwhile, Twin Waters served as the venue for panel sessions and industry discussions, where thought leaders, innovators, and industry icons gathered to explore the future of African storytelling.
A Day at Twin Waters: Where Ideas Met Imagination
One of the most exciting sessions we at ComicPanel attended was titled “The Future Is Animated: Building a Sustainable African, AI, Tech and Animation Industry”, featuring heavyweights like Roye Okupe, Niyi Akinmolayan, Ferdy Adimefe, Malik Adegbua and other animation pioneers.
The discussion was insightful exploring how animation is reshaping Africa’s storytelling landscape, opening doors for young creators, and positioning African studios on the global map.
It was inspiring to see how much passion and innovation African animators are bringing into the game, redefining what’s possible in the world of digital storytelling.
These conversations weren’t just about technology; they were about identity how African creators can infuse their stories with culture, heart, and authenticity while competing globally.
Animation Spotlight: “The Travails of Ajadi”
Among the many screenings that captured hearts was “The Travails of Ajadi”, a stunning animated short that beautifully reflects resilience, culture, and the African spirit.
The film’s storytelling, art direction, and emotional depth left a lasting impression on viewers us included.
If you missed it at the festival, don’t worry, you can check it out now on our website. Trust us, it’s a must-watch!
The AFRIFF Experience
From red-carpet glitz to raw creative discussions, AFRIFF 2025 delivered a week of unforgettable moments.
The fusion of film, culture, music, and innovation created a space that truly reflected Africa’s vibrant creative identity.
We saw legends, rising stars, and dreamers share one space all driven by a shared goal: to tell African stories, our way.
The energy was infectious, the networking unmatched, and the films nothing short of brilliant.
As ComicPanel, we were thrilled to be part of this experience, witnessing the evolution of African cinema firsthand.
AFRIFF 2025 reminded us why we do what we do to amplify creative voices and keep telling stories that matter.
Final Thoughts
AFRIFF continues to prove that African cinema is not just rising it’s leading.
With every edition, it inspires a new generation of storytellers, animators, and dreamers.
We absolutely loved every moment of it and without a doubt, we’ll be back next year for AFRIFF 2026. Because where there are stories, there’s ComicPanel.
AFRIFF 2025: A Festival to Remember. A Future to Build.