The Blue Unicorn Film Festival (BUFF) has opened submissions for its second edition, inviting filmmakers from across Africa and the diaspora to participate in a festival dedicated to celebrating bold storytelling and expanding opportunities within the continent’s film industry.
Submissions opened on 3 July and will remain open until 31 July 2026 for BUFF 2.0, which will bring together filmmakers, storytellers, industry professionals and film enthusiasts under the theme, Stories, Opportunities, Art and Refined (SOAR).
The festival will feature film screenings, panel sessions and industry discussions designed to foster meaningful conversations, create new connections and provide opportunities for emerging and established creatives. Organisers also describe BUFF as a platform that extends beyond screenings, offering workshops and industry access aimed at supporting the future of African cinema.
Festival founder, director and producer Precious Okpala told The Nollywood Reporter that BUFF is “Africa’s boldest, most inclusive film movement.”
“It is a film festival that celebrates the convergence of artistic and mainstream filmmaking. It is a discovery platform, development hub, and industry access point where conversations turn into collaborations,” he said.
Okpala added that BUFF 2.0 is committed to championing independent filmmakers across Africa and its diaspora while embracing commercially viable productions that combine strong storytelling with audience appeal.
“BUFF 2.0 celebrates the untamed spirit of independent filmmaking in Africa and its diaspora. We champion guerilla filmmakers who create under constraints, turning limitations into innovation, and deliver stories that break barriers,” he said.
“At the same time, we welcome commercially viable films that balance audience appeal, professional craft, and mainstream potential, with honesty, originality and courage.”
BUFF 2.0 is expected to serve as a meeting point for filmmakers, producers, writers and other industry stakeholders seeking collaboration, exposure and new opportunities while celebrating the diversity and evolution of African cinema.
