The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) 2025 is gearing up to be a landmark event, showcasing the rich and diverse landscape of African storytelling. Under the theme “Rhythms of the Continent: The AfroBeats Film Movement,” this year’s festival promises a vibrant mix of music, culture, and cinema.
Opening Film: 3 Cold Dishes
The festival will kick off with 3 Cold Dishes, a Pan-African action-thriller executive produced by Burna Boy and Osas Ighodaro. The film follows the journey of three women seeking justice against traffickers, highlighting themes of resilience and empowerment. The movie premiered on October 3, 2025, at Indigo at The O2 in London and is set to release in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and the UK on November 7, 2025, before expanding to Francophone countries on November 28.
Spotlight on Safari by Obi Emelonye
Another highly anticipated feature is Safari, directed by Obi Emelonye. This pan-continental thriller tells the story of a disenchanted wife of a Nigerian politician who becomes entangled with a local beach boy accused of murder during a Kenyan vacation. Starring Osas Ighodaro, Ali Nuhu, and Anthony Monjaro, the film was shot across Lagos, Abuja, Nairobi, and Mombasa. Safari is scheduled to screen at AFRIFF 2025 and will hit Nigerian cinemas on November 21, 2025.
Other Notable Selections
AFRIFF 2025’s official selection includes a wide range of films from across Africa and beyond:
- Short Films: Akoko, Irin Ajo, and Steal. Kill. Destroy! from Nigeria explore diverse themes and narratives.
- Documentaries: Of Mud and Blood (Democratic Republic of Congo), The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Afrobeat (Nigeria), and Lobito Bound: A Journey to Africa’s New Frontier (United Kingdom) provide insightful perspectives on African culture, history, and music.
- Animation: Jabari (Ghana), Hadu (Nigeria), and Melon Street (Nigeria) offer compelling animated stories that resonate with audiences of all ages.
The main festival will run throughout the week, with the AFRIFF Film & Content Market scheduled from November 3 to November 6, 2025, providing a platform for filmmakers and industry professionals to engage in co-production deals, licensing, and distribution opportunities.
With its dynamic lineup and strategic initiatives, AFRIFF 2025 is set to be a landmark celebration of African storytelling and filmmaking, highlighting the continent’s creative talent on a global stage.