Nigeria’s Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) 2025 is set to kick off on Sunday, November 2, 2025, with various events aimed at celebrating the impact of African films.

At a press briefing on Friday, October 31, 2025, AFRIFF organisers announced that the festival’s 14th edition, taking place at Twin Waters, Lekki, Lagos, will spotlight the growing influence of music in film and how Afrobeats continues to shape storytelling in cinema under the theme: “Rhythms of the Continent: The Afrobeats Film Movement.”

The festival, founded by Chioma Ude, will celebrate the influence of Afrobeats on storytelling and cinematic expression across Africa and the diaspora. Ude, in her welcome address, emphasized the connection between Africa’s global music success and its film renaissance. She added that this year’s festival aims to deepen the connection between music and film in Africa.

The 2025 edition of AFRIFF comes with several new additions, including the launch of AFRIFF’s first-ever Film and Content Market (AFCM), held in partnership with the Canton Festival. Five selected filmmakers from this new market will have their works showcased internationally by Canton, marking a major milestone for content creators seeking global exposure. AFCM will also feature panel sessions led by film industry experts and masterclasses in acting, film production, and financing from global thought leaders.

AFRIFF is also partnering with Mikano International. This will see the energy company supporting the festival’s creative initiatives. As part of the collaboration, Mikano unveiled a Content Creator Challenge, with one lucky winner set to drive away in one of its latest car models.

The festival will open with the film Three Cold Dishes, a cross-border collaboration between Benin, France, and Côte d’Ivoire, executive-produced by Osas Ighodaro and Burna Boy. The closing screenings will feature two documentaries — one by Nigerian artist Flavour and another from Senegal — both highlighting music’s unifying role across African cultures.

Among the headline events is a high-profile panel discussion titled “Rhythms of the Continent: The Afrobeats Movement and Its Impact on African Film,” featuring Davido, Asa Asika, Dammy Twitch, Blessing Uzzi, and moderated by music journalist Joey Akan. The session will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025.

 

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Earlier on Monday, AFCM 2025 will open with a panel session on global collaboration and disruption titled The Global South — Navigating Alliances, Financing & Distribution While Disrupting the Status Quo. The session will feature Isioma Idigbe as moderator and Chris Oshiafi, Phil McKenzie, Baba Agba, Folajimi Alli-Balogun, and Steve Osho as panelists.

 

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This year’s edition of AFRIFF will also see the return of the Herbert Wigwe Trailblazer Award, honouring individuals of excellence beyond the creative industry. Honorees include Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima; Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah; Principal Secretary to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hakeem Muri-Okunola; and British actor David Oyelowo, who is also expected to attend the festival.