The 14th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) announced its theme “Rhythm of the Continent: The Afrobeats Film Movement” at a press conference held at the office of Mikano Motors in Victoria Island, Lagos. Founder Chioma Ude revealed the launch of a new film and content market, a partnership with the African Film Content Market (AFCM) and the Cannes Film Festival that will send five selected projects straight to Cannes next year, and an inaugural film executive produced by Burna Boy.
The festival opens with 'Three Cold Dishes' directed by Asuraf Oluseyi with executive producers Burna Boy and Osas Ighodaro. It concludes with two music-based documentaries: an 18-minute short film by Nigerian singer Flavor and an hour-long feature film by Senegalese filmmaker, both tracing African musical journeys.
Ude emphasized the theme of connecting Afrobeats to the film. “We are calling on all our music partners, composers and music executives to guide, encourage and learn from us,” he said. Music executives have approached him for entry into film production, including scoring.
The new film and content market marks a shift toward industry sustainability. “We've gone to festivals, trained people on what festivals mean for the ecosystem,” Ude said. “Now we want to tell you what the Sustainability Act is for you, the filmmakers: the market.”
At the market, filmmakers can showcase projects, meet distributors, suppliers, financiers and sales agents. Countries will offer co-production deals, including discounts for shooting locally. “You get X percent off,” Ude said.
The major gap that Ude highlighted is the lack of film equipment companies in Nigeria. “We don't have a single equipment company in Nigeria. We have sales agents,” he said. This increases costs, unlike in South Africa, where local access to gear such as ARRI cameras allows leasing and reduces production expenses. “What he's done with South Africa has made his films completely different.”
Ude compared Nigeria's industry to Hollywood: “We are still growing. They are 300 years ahead, but we are closing that gap. Festivals and markets are key to that.”
The AFCM-Cannes partnership is a first. Projects presented at the market, if selected, gain automatic entry into the next edition of Cannes. “It's signed and sealed,” Ude confirmed. It exposes filmmakers to global distributors, sales agents and financiers. Five projects will benefit this year.
Trace's Sam Onyemalukwe, media partner, described the deep collaboration: “It was important that Trace be a part of Afrif in a deeper way this year.” He noted the untapped connection between Afrobeats and film, in line with continental creative industry goals. “This partnership is about the power of music and bringing that moment to film when the sound is just right.”
Debut film director Asuf Oluseyi shares his history with AFRRIFF. “I won my first African award at AFRIFF with my first film in 2017,” he said. Returning to the beginning of the festival with 'Three Cold Dishes' is a career milestone.
The film is a Pan-African co-production involving Nigeria, Benin, Ivory Coast, France, the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia. It includes Osas Ighodaro and Wale Ojo from Nigeria, Mentoba and Emily Mbaye from Senegal, and Fatoure and Maude Gérard from Ivory Coast.
'Three Cold Dishes' is the story of three young women trafficked years ago who now seek revenge. Oluseyi said, “It is a travelogue film that highlights trafficking across our borders.” It highlights intra-African trafficking, where 90 percent of victims move between African countries – a story rarely told compared to Africa-to-Europe or Middle East stories.
The film premiered in Nigeria after four years on the global circuit. Mikano Motors has acquired distribution rights for the screening at the festival.
Host and sponsor Mikano Motors underlined its commitment. Company representative Syam Abdulkadir
The Head of Operations of Mikano Motors said Mikano has operated in Nigeria for over 40 years, expanding from power generation to steel, construction, hospitality and automotive. “It is important to empower local talent and creativity,” he said. Sponsoring 'Three Cold Dishes' and partnering with AFRIFF supports this.
Siam Abdulkadir Karima Okunola, Head of Marketing, Mikano Motors Nigeria, announced a Content Creator Challenge. “One lucky winner will walk away with one of our luxury vehicles,” he said. The challenge rewards creators as AFRIFF expands to include them. “The world of creativity is blowing up in Africa. This puts them on bigger stages.”
Festival logistics include the opening at Mikano Motors, Victoria Island, followed by screenings and panel sessions at Twin Waters, Landmark and IMAX in Lekki. High-profile guests include singer Davido on Monday's panel and Nigerian-British actor David Oyelowo on the opening night.
The Herbert Ngwe Award for Excellence, renamed from last year's Trailblazer Award, honors achievements in creativity. The recipients are Vice President Kashim Shettima, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, David Oyelowo and Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
AFRriff, founded by Ude, has evolved into a platform connecting festivals and markets. This version links the rise of music led by Afrobeats to the potential of film, promoting crossover, infrastructure and global reach.
