The Abibitumi ‘Black Power’ Abibifahodie ‘Black Liberation’ Film Festival returns in 2026 as a revolutionary Pan-Kmtyw ‘Black People’ film and media gathering rooted in Abibifahodie ‘Black Liberation’, ancestral continuity, and global Kmtyw resurgence.

Following a powerful inaugural edition in 2025, the festival expands into central Accra, increasing its visibility and accessibility while maintaining its hybrid format connecting Kmtyw ‘Black People’ at home and abroad.

As part of the wider Abibitumi ‘Black Power’ Conference and the DOOR (Decade of Our Repatriation) initiative, the festival continues to convene filmmakers, scholars, and cultural workers committed to narrative sovereignty.

2026 THEME:
“KEMET FOR THE KEMETYU: AT HOME AND ABROAD”

This year focuses on repatriation and the responsibilities that come with it. We are seeking films that embody:

• Revolution
• Reclamation
• Restoration
• Retribution

Films must move beyond observation into action, documenting return, resistance, and rebuilding.

BUILDING ON 2025
The 2025 edition established the festival as a serious cultural platform, attracting a global audience both in-person and online.

The festival honoured legendary Ghanaian filmmaker Nii Kwate Owoo, known for You Hide Me, a groundbreaking work on cultural restitution.

The jury and participants included:

• Abraham Haile Biru – award-winning cinematographer whose work spans international productions
• Ama K. Abebrese – award-winning actress, known for The Burial of Kojo
• Adjetey Anang – leading Ghanaian actor known for Things We Do for Love
• Selikem Geni – filmmaker and cultural producer

THE FESTIVAL
A 3-day hybrid event featuring:

• Feature films, documentaries, shorts, student films, music videos, and AI/animation
• Panels, workshops, and filmmaker Q&As
• Cultural programming and community screenings across Accra

WHAT FILMMAKERS CAN EXPECT
• Global exposure across in-person and digital platforms
• Engagement with respected judges and cultural leaders
• Awards, recognition, and press visibility
• Access to a network rooted in Abibifahodie ‘Black Liberation’

The Abibitumi ‘Black Power’ Abibifahodie ‘Black Liberation’ Film Festival is not simply a platform for films. It is a platform for direction.

Awards & Prizes

Winning entries in each category will receive official festival awards, cash prizes, and global exposure across Abibitumi.com and affiliated platforms. Selected films will also be featured within the wider Abibitumi and DOOR ecosystem, extending visibility beyond the festival.

Additional honours may include Jury Distinctions, Audience Awards, and Special Recognition for works that strongly reflect this year’s theme of Revolution, Reclamation, Restoration, and Retribution.

Rules & Terms

Creators (Kmtyw 'Black People')
Submitted works must be directed, produced, or written by Kmtyw 'Black People'—continental or diasporic.

Completion Date
Films must have been completed within the last three (3) years (i.e., not earlier than July 2022).

Theme Alignment
Works must reflect Kmtyw 'Black People' realities, cultures, philosophies, or Abibifahodie 'Black Liberation' struggles. Submissions that promote colonial narratives or undermine Black agency will not be considered.

Student Submissions
Student filmmakers must include a valid student ID or proof of enrollment from the time of production.

Subtitles
Films not in English must include accurate English subtitles.

Originality
All entries must be the original work of the submitter(s) and must not infringe upon the rights of any third party.

Length Limits
Student films and short animations must be under 30 minutes.

All other categories may exceed 30 minutes unless otherwise specified.

Promotional Use
By submitting, you authorize the festival to use excerpts (up to 60 seconds), stills, or posters for promotional purposes, including social media, trailers, or press.

No Screening Fees
The festival does not pay screening or licensing fees for selected works.

Submission Format
All films must be submitted via FilmFreeway as secure online screeners. No DVDs, USBs, or email submissions will be accepted.
2 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Amira Barrett

    The Abibitumi Film Festival was an incredible experience from start to finish. The care, intentionality, and cultural grounding behind the festival truly set it apart. It is clear that this is more than just a festival—it is a space dedicated to honoring and uplifting Black stories from across the diaspora.

    Kwadjo and Obenfo curated a thoughtful and impactful program, and their commitment to filmmakers was evident in every aspect of the experience. Communication was clear, the platform was well-organized, and the sense of community was genuine and inspiring.

    I was deeply honored to have my film included and recognized, and I would absolutely recommend Abibitumi Film Festival to any filmmaker looking for a meaningful and culturally rooted festival home.

    March 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks for your participation and congratulations on your win.

  • Rebecca Singh

    This festival was a breath of fresh air. They were welcoming and attentive. The quality of their streaming and hybrid attendance option was excellent. I really enjoyed all the cultural activities in the opening and closing ceremonies, the passion with which everyone spoke about the films and the medium and the pride with which the Festval was launched. We had a wonderful, meaningful, and empowering premiere. Abibitumi!

    December 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much for participating and submitting your brilliant film. Looking forward to screening your works again.