My Father’s Shadow (2025, Nigeria), Director Akinola Davis Jr with Sope Dirisu, Goodwin Egbo and Chibuke Marvelous./Photo courtesy
Africa’s creative voices will take centre stage in London from 14–23 November 2025 as the Royal African Society hosts the next edition of Film Africa, the UK and Europe’s leading festival of African and African diaspora cinema.
Over ten days, the festival will transform the city into a hub of storytelling, dialogue, and cultural exchange anchored at the BFI Southbank and extending to venues across London.
While Film Africa offers red-carpet galas and high-profile screenings, its mission reaches far deeper.
At its heart, the festival is a philanthropic investment in cultural empowerment and equity, giving filmmakers from across Africa and its diaspora the opportunity to share authentic narratives, confront stereotypes, and reimagine Africa’s place in global cinema.
Spotlight on the Democratic Republic of Congo
Each year, Film Africa shines a light on one country’s cinematic journey. In 2025, the focus turns to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a nation with a powerful yet often underrepresented artistic voice.
The spotlight programme will feature films, documentaries, and shorts that explore Congolese identity, history, and memory.
The Opening Gala will welcome acclaimed Congolese artist-filmmaker Sammy Baloji, setting the tone for a festival that not only celebrates art but also builds bridges of understanding between Africa and Europe.
For philanthropic supporters, this spotlight demonstrates how film can serve as a tool of resilience, pride, and recognition.
Dialogue Beyond the Screen
Film Africa’s value extends beyond what is shown on screen.
Through Q&As, workshops, and panels, the festival provides spaces where filmmakers and audiences engage in meaningful dialogue.
These conversations allow communities to explore the social, political, and cultural realities shaping contemporary Africa.
This year’s Symposium: African Cinema and Liberation will be the intellectual centrepiece, featuring a landmark conversation between Mozambican producer Pedro Pimenta and Sir John Akomfrah, the celebrated artist-filmmaker.
Together, they will explore cinema’s role in resisting colonial narratives and advancing African cultural sovereignty.
Such discussions resonate deeply with philanthropy’s commitment to equity and justice, highlighting the arts as a vehicle for social transformation.
Investing in the Next Generation
The festival will also host a special masterclass with Kunle Afolayan, one of Nigeria’s most influential filmmakers.
From his breakthrough The Figurine (2009) to international hits like Citation (2020) and Aníkúlápó (2022), Afolayan has consistently expanded Nollywood’s global reach.
In conversation with film executive Tendeka Matatu, Afolayan will share insights into his storytelling craft, Netflix collaborations, and vision for inspiring new African talent.
For young filmmakers, this is an invaluable learning opportunity. For philanthropic audiences, it illustrates how investing in capacity-building and mentorship can strengthen Africa’s creative industries for the future.
Honouring a Legend
Film Africa 2025 will also pay tribute to Souleymane Cissé, the Malian master filmmaker who passed away in February 2025.
Cissé’s groundbreaking work, including the Cannes Jury Prize–winning Yeelen (The Light), reshaped the global perception of African cinema.
The tribute programme will feature a retrospective of his films alongside a personal documentary by his daughter, Fatou Cissé, offering both remembrance and renewal.
It is a reminder that sustaining cultural legacies is as important as nurturing new voices.
Why It Matters
Film Africa embodies the values of philanthropy, culture, and empowerment.
By providing a platform for African filmmakers, it ensures that stories of migration, resilience, liberation, and everyday life are not just told but heard globally.
For philanthropists and cultural advocates, the festival offers more than an invitation to attend screenings; it is an opportunity to support a movement that champions diversity, strengthens cultural sovereignty, and invests in Africa’s creative future.
As London prepares for this ten-day celebration, Film Africa’s impact will be felt not only in theatres but in the connections built, the legacies honoured, and the new voices empowered to shape the future of African cinema.
About Film Africa
Film Africa is the UK and Europe’s largest film festival dedicated to African and African diaspora cinema.
Established in 2011 by the Royal African Society, the festival presents a wide range of films alongside Q&As, talks, panel discussions, workshops, and masterclasses.
It also runs programmes for schools and families and hosts Film Africa LIVE! music events.
The festival supports new filmmaking talent through the Baobab Award for Best Short Film and the Audience Award for Best Feature Film.
About the Royal African Society
The Royal African Society is a UK-registered non-profit charity, founded in 1901.
Its work focuses on promoting understanding of Africa and strengthening relations between the continent, the UK, and the wider world.
Through cultural festivals, conferences, publications, and policy dialogues, the Society brings together voices from across sectors to explore Africa’s achievements and challenges.
