Africa Film Fest Returns to Sydney with Bold and Diverse Programme
Image: africafilmfest/Instagram
The 2025 edition of Africa Film Fest Australia (AFFA) will take place from 4 to 7 September across key Sydney venues including the Sydney Opera House, Riverside Theatres, the University of Technology Sydney and Arts & Cultural Exchange in Parramatta.
This year’s festival will feature a broad selection of works by African and diasporic filmmakers, spanning narrative features, documentaries, animation, short films, and youth workshops.
Presented by ACE in collaboration with a dedicated team of African Australian curators, AFFA 2025 is supported by Screen NSW, the City of Parramatta, AFTRS, and the African Youth Initiative Sydney.
The festival will showcase several Australian premieres alongside industry talks, Q&A sessions, and opening and closing night events.
“This year’s programme is a celebration of creativity and resilience across the continent and its diaspora,” said Festival Co-Director Safia Amadou.
“We’re thrilled to share a bold and wide-ranging selection of films that honour the joy, complexity and cultural power of African storytelling.”
View this post on Instagram
Opening the festival is the Australian premiere of I Do Not Come to You by Chance, a Nigerian comedy-drama directed by Ishaya Bako and based on the novel by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani.
The film follows a university graduate pulled into his uncle’s email scamming empire. The screening will be preceded by a reception at The Rawson.
The short film strand, Ngano Shorts, will screen at Riverside Theatres, showcasing experimental and narrative-driven works that reflect the lives and imaginations of African and Afro-diasporic communities.
The animation programme, Stories from the Motherland, will present short animated films by African animators, featuring folktales, futuristic settings and deeply personal stories.
“AFFA’s short film programme has become one of the most anticipated highlights of the festival,” said Festival Co-Director Mumbi Hinga.
“Last year’s screening sold out quickly, reflecting the audience’s hunger for fresh, diverse voices in African cinema.”
Festival to feature workshops, parties, and industry events
The festival will also host an Afrobeats Edition opening night party at The Rawson, where DJ GNGR will spin a high-energy mix of Afrobeats, Highlife and contemporary African sounds. Guests are encouraged to dress boldly to match the festive spirit.
AFFA will also present a two-day visual storytelling workshop titled Creating New Worlds, aimed at African Australians aged 16–25.
Led by Nigerian animation director Somto Ajuluchukwu and Sydney-based illustrator Steph Martei, the workshop will focus on world-building, character design and African futurism.
On 5 September, ACE Parramatta will host the 2025 Screen Industry Forum in partnership with AFTRS, focusing on the experiences of African Australian creatives working in film, television, animation and digital media. Both emerging and established voices will join the conversation.
The festival will conclude with the Closing Night Party: Chale, Let’s Go!!, a vibrant celebration of African creativity featuring music, dancing, and community connection.
For full programme details and ticketing information can be found here.
You May Also Like
