The 2025 edition of Africa Film Fest Australia will run from 4 to 7 September across major Sydney venues including the Sydney Opera House, Riverside Theatres, the University of Technology Sydney and Arts and Cultural Exchange in Parramatta.
The festival will present a wide range of works by African and diasporic filmmakers, featuring narrative features, documentaries, animation, short films and youth workshops. It is being presented by ACE with support from Screen NSW, the City of Parramatta, AFTRS and the African Youth Initiative Sydney, and curated by a team of African Australian creatives.
“This year’s programme is a celebration of creativity and resilience across the continent and its diaspora,” said Festival Co-Director Safia Amadou. “We are thrilled to share a bold and wide-ranging selection of films that honour the joy, complexity and cultural power of African storytelling.”
Opening the festival will be the Australian premiere of the Nigerian comedy-drama I Do Not Come to You by Chance, directed by Ishaya Bako and based on the novel by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani. The screening will be preceded by a reception at The Rawson.
Other highlights include Ngano Shorts, a collection of experimental and narrative-driven short films screening at Riverside Theatres, and Stories from the Motherland, an animation programme featuring African folktales, futuristic themes and personal stories. “AFFA’s short film programme has become one of the most anticipated highlights of the festival. Last year’s screening sold out quickly, reflecting the audience’s hunger for fresh, diverse voices in African cinema,” said Festival Co-Director Mumbi Hinga.
The festival will also host workshops, parties and industry events. These include an Afrobeats Edition opening night party at The Rawson with DJ GNGR, and a two-day visual storytelling workshop titled Creating New Worlds for African Australians aged 16 to 25. The workshop will be led by Nigerian animation director Somto Ajuluchukwu and Sydney-based illustrator Steph Martei, focusing on world-building, character design and African futurism.
On 5 September, ACE Parramatta will host the 2025 Screen Industry Forum in partnership with AFTRS, providing a platform for African Australian creatives in film, television, animation and digital media to share their experiences.
The festival will conclude with Closing Night Party: Chale, Let’s Go!!, a vibrant celebration of African creativity featuring music, dancing and community connection.
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