The Afro Animation Short Film Awards (AASFA) is officially calling on animators from Africa and the global Black diaspora to submit their short films for its 2026 edition, reinforcing its growing reputation as one of the most important platforms dedicated to celebrating Black excellence in animation.
Announced via FilmFreeway and Afro Animation’s official channels, the call invites creators working across 2D, 3D, stop-motion, experimental animation, and hybrid styles to showcase stories that reflect African culture, Black identity, heritage, futurism, and lived experiences. With submissions now open, AASFA 2026 is positioning itself as a creative bridge between emerging voices and the global animation industry.
A Platform Built for Representation and Opportunity
Afro Animation was created with a clear mission: to amplify underrepresented voices in animation while creating access, visibility, and professional growth for Black creators worldwide. Beyond being an awards event, Afro Animation has grown into a multi-layered ecosystem that includes film screenings, industry talks, workshops, networking sessions, and community-building initiatives.
The Short Film Awards arm of Afro Animation focuses specifically on short-form animated storytelling, a format that has become increasingly important for independent animators and studios looking to break into festivals, streaming platforms, and international markets.
By opening submissions early for 2026, Afro Animation is giving creators ample time to prepare polished entries that reflect both artistic excellence and authentic storytelling.
What the Call for Submissions Represents
This year’s call emphasizes original storytelling, cultural depth, and technical creativity. Filmmakers are encouraged to submit works that explore themes such as identity, mythology, social realities, speculative futures, folklore, and everyday Black experiences, without restriction to geography or animation style.
The awards are open to students, independent creators, and professional studios, making it an inclusive space where fresh voices can stand alongside established names. For many African and diaspora animators, Afro Animation has become a trusted launchpad, one that understands the unique challenges of creating within emerging markets while still holding submissions to international standards.
Selected films will not only compete for awards but will also gain exposure through curated screenings and Afro Animation’s expanding global audience.
More Than Awards: Afro Animation as a Creative Hub
According to Afro Animation’s vision, the platform exists to educate, connect, and celebrate. Alongside the Short Film Awards, Afro Animation hosts talks and panels that focus on the business of animation, creative development, and navigating global opportunities as a Black creator.
These conversations bring together animators, producers, studio founders, and industry professionals who share real-world insights on funding, distribution, pitching, and career growth. For submitted filmmakers, participation often extends beyond the awards stage into meaningful industry connections.
Passes, Access, and Community Engagement
As part of its broader programming, Afro Animation offers event passes that grant access to screenings, panels, and networking sessions connected to its activities. Creators, fans, and industry professionals interested in attending or supporting the platform can get passes directly through Afro Animation’s official website.
For animators submitting films, these passes provide a chance to engage with peers, mentors, and decision-makers in a space designed specifically for Black creatives in animation.
Why This Matters for African Animation
The call for submissions comes at a time when African animation is gaining unprecedented global attention. Studios and creators across the continent are pushing boundaries in storytelling, aesthetics, and production quality, while international platforms increasingly look toward Africa for fresh narratives.
Afro Animation’s Short Film Awards continue to play a vital role in this momentum, offering visibility, validation, and a sense of ownership within a global industry that has historically overlooked Black creators.
By centering Black stories and creators, the awards help ensure that African and diaspora animation is not just seen, but celebrated on its own terms.
How to Submit Your Film
Animators interested in submitting their short films for the Afro Animation Short Film Awards 2026 can do so directly via FilmFreeway using the official submission page:
Submit your short film here:
The submission page includes full eligibility details, accepted animation formats, deadlines, and judging criteria.
Creators who want to attend Afro Animation events, screenings, and industry sessions can also get event passes via the official website:
Get passes here:
As submissions open for 2026, Afro Animation once again sends a clear message to the world: Black animated stories deserve global stages, and this is one of them.