The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has opened submissions for the fourth edition of CANEX Shorts, its flagship short film competition spotlighting emerging filmmakers from Africa, the diaspora, and the Caribbean, with entries accepted from May 4 to June 30, 2026 via FilmFreeway.
In a brief conversation with The Nollywood Reporter, Ella Chikezie the festival’s Senior Programme Officer describes the initiative as more than a competition, positioning it as a platform that supports both visibility and professional growth for emerging filmmakers.
“For filmmakers that are accepted, they will not only get a financial $2,000 USD reward, but an opportunity to showcase their film at CANEX WKND 2026 and attend, as well as network with creative professionals, policymakers, and investors from across the continent and beyond,” she says.
Now in its fourth year, the competition invites filmmakers between the ages of 18 and 35 to submit short films of five minutes or less across three categories: Fiction, Documentary, and Animation. Films must have been produced in 2024 or later, while non-English submissions must include English subtitles.
At its core, Chikezie notes, the competition is driven by a commitment to elevating African storytelling on a global stage. “Authentic African stories and the best of African creativity with stories that make one laugh, dream, cry, and hope. Stories that showcase the beauty and creativity in Africa, the diaspora, and the Caribbean as well,” she adds.
Beyond the cash prize, each category winner will receive a CANEX Shorts Award and certificate, along with a full invitation to the event, including travel and accommodation. A total of 30 films, with 10 selected per category, will be shortlisted and presented to a jury of film professionals from across the continent, with winners announced at CANEX WKND 2026 in Lagos from November 5 to 8.
Previous winners have emerged from Algeria, Egypt, and Togo. The 2025 edition recognized Matthieu Abalo of Togo for Zogbeto in Fiction, Shawki Boukef of Algeria for Olivia in Animation, and Marwa El Sharkawy of Egypt for Young Hearts in Documentary.
CANEX WKND 2026, themed “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World,” is expected to be the largest edition yet, bringing together creatives, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders for four days of programming across film, music, fashion, literature, visual arts, gastronomy, and sport.
