African Film Press Launches Pan-African Critics Prize, Debuts at Surreal16

The African Film Press (AFP), a coalition of independent film platforms across Africa, has announced the launch of the AFP Critics Prize, a pan-African award presented by film critics. The prize will debut at the Surreal16 Film Festival in Lagos, Nigeria, in December 2025.

Modeled after the FIPRESCI Prize, the AFP Critics Prize is designed to bring greater visibility and critical recognition to African filmmakers. The inaugural winner will be chosen by AFP’s three founding editors: Tambay Obenson (Akoroko), Jennifer Ochieng (Sinema Focus), and Ikeade Oriade (What Kept Me Up). Future editions will include a broader pool of African and diaspora critics.

The award comes with a cash prize, a trophy, and a certificate. AFP, founded in 2024, has already secured funding from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and private investors. Its founding members—Akoroko, Sinema Focus, and What Kept Me Up—are joined by regional partners, with the first Southern Africa-focused platform set to launch in September 2025.

AFP co-founder Tambay Obenson said, “We see the AFP Critics Prize as an important step in centering African critical voices in festival culture, while also creating visibility and recognition for filmmakers on the continent. Surreal16 was the natural place to begin.”

Filmmaker and Surreal16 co-founder CJ Obasi added, “Our festival has always celebrated risk-taking and originality. Partnering with African Film Press ensures critics are part of shaping that conversation.”

The AFP Critics Prize will be awarded at four African festivals annually, starting with Surreal16. The Lagos-based festival, launched by CJ Obasi, Abba Makama, and Michael Omonua, is known for its independent spirit and strong curatorial identity. Surreal16 has received support from institutions including the French Embassy, Dutch Embassy, Goethe-Institut, and Sterling Bank, and Obasi’s film Mami Wata recently won the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Cinematography at Sundance 2023.

AFP aims to create a pan-African network of film journalists and critics dedicated to analyzing Africa’s screen industries and raising the profile of African cinema globally.