Programme · Finalists announced soon
The programme.
Selected from hundreds of submissions across 54+ countries. August 6 — 7, 2026, Des Moines, Iowa.
15
finalists, from hundreds of films.
A programming committee selects 15 finalists from across the continent and its diaspora — narrative, documentary, short and feature. Each is screened over the two festival days, with the strongest works recognised at the Awards Ceremony.
Two days · Aug 6 — 7
Aug 6Thu
Screenings & Workshops
Opening reception, curated finalist screenings, hands-on workshops, and filmmaker conversations.
- — Welcome reception
- — Finalist screenings
- — Creative workshops
- — Filmmaker conversations
Aug 7Fri
Cultural Festival & Awards
More screenings and workshops, the African Cultural Festival, and the Awards Ceremony celebrating the festival's 15 finalists.
- — Finalist screenings
- — Creative workshops
- — African Cultural Festival
- — Awards Ceremony
What we're looking for
Six strands.
01
Feature Films
Long-form narrative and documentary works by African and diaspora filmmakers.
02
Short Films
Shorts under 30 minutes — narrative, documentary, experimental, animated.
03
Documentary
Long-form non-fiction across the continent and its diaspora.
04
Diaspora Voices
Films by African creators living and working outside the continent.
05
Student & Youth
Emerging filmmakers — schools, universities, first works.
06
Iowa Spotlight
Films with Iowa connections — local makers, local stories, local screens.