The city of Lagos is buzzing this week as the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) 2025 takes over venues across the city. Now in its 14th edition, the festival continues to cement Nigeria’s position as the creative capital of African cinema, bringing together filmmakers, industry leaders, and storytellers from across the continent and beyond.

Running from November 2 to 8, this year’s festival carries the theme “Rhythms Of The Continent: The Afrobeats Film Movement .” The message is clear — Africa’s stories are ready to travel.

A Celebration of Story and Substance

AFRIFF 2025 opened with a vibrant red-carpet premiere that drew top Nollywood stars, international filmmakers, and key voices in entertainment. Beyond the glamour, the focus this year is on collaboration, co-production, and empowering creators to take African stories to the world stage.

The newly introduced Africa Film and Content Market (AFCM) has quickly become a highlight. The marketplace connects filmmakers with distributors, investors, and digital platforms, opening real pathways for African cinema to grow commercially while maintaining cultural authenticity. Panels and business sessions have already sparked partnerships between local and global film executives.

Workshops and masterclasses continue throughout the week, led by acclaimed directors, screenwriters, and producers. Topics range from script development and funding to emerging technologies in storytelling. Attendees have praised the sessions for their depth and practical insights, describing AFRIFF as “the classroom the industry truly needs.”

The Pulse of Lagos Cinema

Screenings are taking place across major Lagos venues, featuring bold narratives from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and the diaspora. Documentaries, short films, and experimental projects are gaining as much attention as the star-studded premieres, reflecting the festival’s commitment to diverse storytelling.

AFRIFF has also drawn strong brand support this year, with major sponsors hosting creative lounges, networking mixers, and industry dinners. The festival atmosphere blends art with business, a true reflection of how far African cinema has come.

As AFRIFF 2025 unfolds, Lagos stands at the heart of a growing movement, one where African filmmakers are not just telling stories but shaping global conversations.