The AFRIFF’s 13th Edition to Open with Crime Thriller “Headless”

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is set to begin its 13th edition on November 3, 2024, at AFRIFF HUB, located at The Palms, Oniru, Lagos.

Themed “Indigenous to Global: Cultural Wealth to Global Prosperity,” this year’s event highlights AFRIFF’s ongoing mission to bring African stories to an international audience.

Running through November 9, the festival will include a lineup of films, industry discussions, and networking sessions aimed at fostering connections within the African and global film communities.

Opening the festival is “Headless”, a crime thriller directed by Michael W. Ndiomu. Chioma Ude, founder of AFRIFF, stated that “Headless” is aligned with the festival’s focus on stories that capture the depth of Nigerian life while engaging audiences worldwide. “African filmmaking is on the rise, and Nigeria plays a significant role. With films like “Headless”, we want to show how local narratives can have universal relevance,” Ude shared.

AFRIFF’s 2024 lineup includes 150 films from across Africa and the Diaspora, providing a platform for both established and up-and-coming filmmakers.

The closing film, “Out of Breath”, directed by Obi Emelonye, is rooted in Igbo culture and combines elements of romance and action, aimed at connecting with a broad spectrum of viewers.

Recently, AFRIFF made appearances at international events, including the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) in New York, where it promoted African cultural influence on a global scale.

During a panel discussion, Chioma Ude, alongside industry leaders such as Bolaji Balogun, Ukonwa Ojo, and Tae-lim Oh, discussed strategies for showcasing African culture worldwide. Professor Benedict Oramsh also reiterated Afrexim’s commitment to supporting the growth of the African creative industry.

AFRIFF’s presence at CANEX 24 in Algiers was another key moment, as film students from AFRIFF Academy, in collaboration with the University of Creative Arts, presented their work. Thirty scriptwriters from various African countries also had the chance to pitch to Showmax, FilmOne, and Lavida Studios, with three finalists emerging from Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda.

Since its founding in 2010 by Chioma Ude, AFRIFF has been a central platform for African cinema.

The festival, held each year in Lagos, features a variety of films, including documentaries, short films, and animated projects, aiming to create opportunities for African filmmakers and highlight the continent’s diverse stories.