The 13th edition of the African International Film Festival, AFRIFF concluded on Saturday, October 9, 2024, but its impact continues to resonate across the global film community. With the inspiring theme, “Indigenous to Global; Cultural Wealth to Global Prosperity”, AFRIFF embraced the vibrant cultural heart of Lagos, presenting an extraordinary week of cinematic celebrations. This year’s festival was marked by a thoughtfully curated lineup of events—including panel discussions, master classes, and screenings of groundbreaking films—that attracted filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from around the world. Each event highlighted one central objective: to elevate and showcase the African film industry to the world, bringing the continent’s unique narratives and creative potential to the forefront.

The bustle of Lagos was amplified by AFRIFF’s commitment to fostering dialogue, skill-sharing, and collaboration. Distinguished panelists which include John Boyega, Skepta, Ugo Mozie, and Yolanda Okereke led discussions that ranged from the challenges and opportunities facing African filmmakers to how indigenous storytelling can achieve a global reach. The master classes featured some of the industry’s leading talents, who shared insights on diverse aspects of film production, distribution, and marketing. With each screening, AFRIFF offered the audience an opportunity to explore the powerful, innovative, and often underrepresented perspectives that define African cinema today.

The festival drew an impressive number of film submissions from across the African continent and its diaspora, demonstrating the growing enthusiasm among African filmmakers to engage with AFRIFF’s influential platform. Though the competition was fierce, only a few films advanced to the shortlist. Which earned them the opportunity to compete in the festival’s highly anticipated awards segment. This climactic moment—the AFRIFF Globe Awards Night—celebrated outstanding talent, creativity, and the remarkable dedication of filmmakers to tell stories that resonate across cultural and geographic boundaries.

Here is a look at the winners from AFRIFF 2024, whose work exemplifies the transformative power of African cinema and reflects the festival’s mission to take Indigenous stories to the world stage.

Honorary Jury Mention

Memories of Love Returned – Directed by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine (American)

Jury Prize for AFRIFF 2024

Freedom Way Directed by Afolabi Olalekan (Nigeria)

AFRIFF Loyalty Award (First of its kind)

Christoph T’ecoute

Herbert Wigwe Trailblazer Award

Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu (For his unending support towards the entertainment industry in Lagos state)

British Actor John Boyega 

Professor Orama

Ugo Mozie (contribution to fashion)

Chef Tolu Eros (contribution to culinary)

Best International Short

Cookie Box – Directed by Adam Żurawiecki (Poland)

Best African Short Film

Adunni – Directed by Tola Falonipe (Nigeria)

Best Student Short Film 

Last Minute – Directed by Nicole E. Emechebe (Nigeria)

Best Animation

Hadu – Directed by Damilola Solesi (Nigeria)

Best International Documentary

Memories of Love Returned – Directed by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine 

Best Documentary 

Mother City – Directed by Miki Redelinghuys (South Africa)

Best Documentary short 

From God to Man – Directed by Lansana Mansaray (Sierra Leone)

Best Screenplay

The Man Died – Directed by Bode Asiyanbi (Nigeria)

Best International Feature 

Calladita: The Quiet Maid – Directed by Miguel Faus (Spain)

AFRIFF Audience Choice Award

Tribal Mark – Skepta

Best Actress in a Feature Film

Uzoamaka Onuoha  –  Agemo (Nigeria)

Best Actor in a Feature Film

Alexander Karim – The Dog (Kenya)

Best Director

Ifeoma Nkiruka Chukwugo – Phoenix Fury (Nigeria)

Best Feature Film 

Phoenix Fury – Ifeoma Nkiruka 

Take a look at our coverage of the awards night below:

 

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