AFRIK International Film Festival launches in Lagos, with plans for 2026 debut in Port Harcourt to showcase and empower African filmmakers and stories

Stakeholders of the AFRIK International Film Festival (AIIF) officially launched the event in Lagos on Friday, announcing that its inaugural edition will take place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in 2026.

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Positioned as an annual celebration of African cinema, AIIF aims to showcase the continent’s creative potential to a global audience while establishing a platform for filmmakers, producers, distributors, and enthusiasts to connect, collaborate, and celebrate authentic African narratives. Organisers envision the festival as a cultural landmark that amplifies African voices worldwide.

Speaking at the press conference, Program Coordinator Toka McBaror, a renowned filmmaker and cinematographer, emphasised the festival’s mission to empower Africans to tell their own stories.

He highlighted AIIF’s focus on practical impact and capacity-building through workshops and training sessions, prioritising education and skill development over glamour.

“No one can describe my mother’s kitchen better than I. If someone else tells our story, they won’t tell it like we did because they weren’t there. AIIF is to celebrate the African story, the African filmmaker, and to pave the way for emerging creatives,” McBaror said.

The festival will employ a “close submission” process, focusing on quality over quantity to ensure a meaningful and well-curated screening experience.

“It is better to take 10 films and screen them well than take 50 and have issues,” he explained, stressing the importance of high-quality presentation for both filmmakers and audiences.

McBaror noted that the debut edition will be intentionally small but impactful, allowing the festival to establish a strong foundation before expanding across Africa. “We’re starting from Nigeria, then it becomes an African event,” he said.

Isaac Nwankpa, CEO of AIIF, confirmed his personal financial backing for the festival, highlighting its potential to attract further investment and stimulate the African film economy.

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The organisers stressed that AIIF is designed to provide both a platform for cultural expression and a practical avenue for growth, learning, and collaboration within the African creative sector.