What We Are Looking For
We are officially accepting submissions from African filmmakers (living on the continent or in the diaspora). We are looking for powerful narratives that inspire action, spark dialogue, and highlight critical environmental and social issues.
We are accepting entries in the following formats:
Short Films (Narrative/Fiction)
Documentaries (Short and Feature-length)
Animations
The 2026 SDG Focus Areas
Submitted films must align with one or more of the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlighted for the 2026 festival:
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
SDG 14: Life Below Water (with a special focus on Marine Pollution and Sustainable Development)
Technical Specifications
To ensure the highest quality screening experience, all submitted films must meet the following technical requirements:
Format: MP4 or MOV files only.
Resolution: Minimum 1080p (1920x1080) Full HD. 4K submissions are accepted but must be optimized for streaming/download.
Audio: Stereo or 5.1 surround sound mix, well-balanced and clear.
Subtitles: All films, regardless of the spoken language (including English), MUST include hardcoded English subtitles. This ensures accessibility for our diverse, international audience.
Length: Short Films/Animations: Maximum 20 minutes (including credits).
Documentaries: Minimum 5 minutes, Maximum 20 minutes.
Judging Criteria
Our esteemed panel of judges, comprising industry experts, sustainability advocates, and policymakers, will evaluate submissions based on the following criteria:
Relevance to the Theme & SDGs (30%): Does the film clearly and effectively address one or more of the 2026 SDG focus areas? Is the message impactful and aligned with "Amplifying Voices for a Sustainable Future"?
Storytelling & Originality (30%): How compelling is the narrative? Is the approach fresh, innovative, and capable of engaging a broad audience emotionally and intellectually?
Cinematography & Technical Quality (20%): Does the film demonstrate high standards in visual composition, lighting, audio design, and editing?
Call to Action/Impact Potential (20%): Does the film inspire the audience to take tangible action or shift their perspective on the highlighted issue? Can it serve as an effective advocacy tool?
Rules and Regulations
All submissions must be original work, and the entrant must hold full copyright.
By submitting a film/animation, you grant the African SDGs Film Festival the right to screen it during the festival and for promotional purposes (with proper credit given).
Multiple entries per person are allowed.
We reserve the right to reject entries that do not comply with the guidelines or rules.
Decisions of the jury are final.
Why Submit Your Film?
By screening your film at ASFF 2026, you are not just reaching an audience; you are joining a movement of change-makers. Selected filmmakers will benefit from:
Expanded Screenings: Your work will be showcased to over 700+ physical attendees, including UN representatives, ministerial-level policymakers, NGOs, and grassroots activists.
Impact Masterclasses: Gain access to exclusive technical workshops on "Impact Filmmaking" and "Impact Producing" led by industry leaders.
Awards & Recognition: Compete for prestigious festival awards, including the "Best Picture" and the "Climate Action Award."
Cross-Sector Networking: Participate in Expert Panel Series where "Filmmakers meet Policymakers" to foster direct collaboration and translate your visual advocacy into real-world impact.
