The 14th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) will open in Lagos on November 2, introducing a new film and content market aimed at deepening creative trade and attracting greater tourism inflows.
Running through November 8, this year’s festival will feature feature films, documentaries, and short films from across Africa and the diaspora.
In a statement on Thursday, Ms Chioma Ude, Founder of AFRIFF, said the new market would create a vibrant business platform for studios, streamers, and investors, fostering stronger collaboration between storytellers and financiers while reinforcing Nigeria’s status as Africa’s entertainment capital.
“Every November, AFRIFF transforms Lagos into a creative hub where producers, actors, and executives meet. This year we expect the market to generate real deals and new partnerships,” Ude said, adding that Lagos remained the natural host city due to its infrastructure and creative energy.
Hotels around Victoria Island and Lekki have already reported increased advance bookings since early October, with occupancy projected to exceed 90 per cent during the festival week.
Mr Adewale Ayo-Adesanya, Vice Chairman of the Hotel Owners Forum Lagos (HOFLA), said AFRIFF had become a major tourism driver comparable to Lagos’ peak December events.
“AFRIFF now rivals major December events in the number of international guests it brings in. Many visitors extend their stay into December, so it helps Lagos’ tourism economy,” he noted.
The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture said it was collaborating with security and traffic agencies to ensure smooth movement during the week-long celebration.
Mr Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, said AFRIFF aligns with Lagos’ creative-industry development goals.
“We support initiatives that position Lagos as a film-friendly destination. Beyond the screenings, we want visitors to explore our beaches, galleries, and culinary spots,” he said.
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Industry analysts estimate that delegates, sponsors, and audiences could inject over ₦5 billion into Lagos’ economy through hotels, logistics, and hospitality spending.
AFRIFF’s closing night will feature the premiere of a major Nollywood title yet to be announced, alongside workshops for emerging filmmakers and a masterclass on Artificial Intelligence storytelling tools.
Founded in 2010, AFRIFF has grown into one of Africa’s most prestigious film gatherings, attracting over 2,000 participants annually. Stakeholders say this year’s edition will be a key test of Lagos’ readiness for larger cultural tourism events ahead of the bustling “Detty December” season.
