The programme.
Selected from hundreds of submissions across 54+ countries. August 6 — 8, 2026, Des Moines, Iowa.
finalists per category, from hundreds of films.
A programming committee selects 15 finalists in each competing category — narrative, documentary, short and diaspora — from across the continent and its diaspora. The Iowa Spotlight is a smaller curated local selection, and the Student & Youth strand screens as a non-competitive showcase. Finalists are screened over the three festival days, with the strongest works recognised at the Awards Ceremony.
Welcome presentations, an opening reception, the first curated finalist screenings, and filmmaker conversations.
- — Welcome presentations
- — Opening reception
- — Finalist screenings
- — Filmmaker conversations
A full day of finalist screenings across the competing categories, hands-on creative workshops, and open panels with filmmakers.
- — Finalist screenings
- — Creative workshops
- — Open panels
- — Filmmaker Q&As
Special Features screenings, the African Cultural Festival, and the Awards Ceremony celebrating finalists across the competing categories.
- — Special Features screenings
- — African Cultural Festival
- — Awards Ceremony
- — Closing celebration