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B Side, Film
AFRIFF 2026 Kicks off With Star-Studded Opening Night
The film festival kicked off its 15th edition in Lagos, welcoming Nollywood and international stars for an evening of film, culture and celebration.
- BOUNCE
- ●3rd November 2026
The 15th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) officially opened on Sunday, November 1, 2026, bringing together filmmakers, actors and other industry professionals for an evening celebrating African cinema.
The festival, themed “Frames of the Future: Africa’s Creative Intelligence”, kicked off with a star-studded red carpet hosted by Seyitana Atigarin, while actor Kunle Remi hosted the opening night ceremony.
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Several Nollywood personalities graced the red carpet, including Ramsey Nouah, Jide Awobona, Wale Ojo, Dammy Twitch, Darey Art Alade, Bucci Franklin, Chuks Joseph, Rita Dominic, Real Warri Pikin, Osas Ighodaro and more.
The evening also welcomed international stars, including Hollywood actor Jonathan Majors and his wife, actress Meagan Good, alongside Beninese-American actor Djimon Hounsou.
The opening gala culminated in a screening of Lady, the festival’s opening film directed by Nigerian filmmaker Olive Nwosu. The film follows Lady, one of Lagos’s few female cab drivers, whose carefully structured life takes an unexpected turn when her childhood friend Pinky returns and draws her into driving a group of women through Lagos nightlife. What begins as an unusual arrangement gradually develops into a story of friendship and sisterhood.
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Following the opening night, attention shifts to the AFRIFF Film & Content Market (AFCM), which runs from November 2 to 5 at Twinwaters, Lekki, Lagos. The four-day market brings together filmmakers, producers, investors, distributors and streaming platforms to explore business opportunities, partnerships, film financing and distribution across the African film industry.
The festival itself continues until Saturday, November 7, featuring film screenings, masterclasses, industry discussions and other activities before culminating in the AFRIFF Globe Awards.
See more photos from the film festival’s opening night:
