The Mashariki African Film Festival (MAAFF) is Rwanda's premier cinematic event, built to foster connections between African filmmakers, the African diaspora, and international media producers. MAAFF invites submissions from filmmakers across Africa, the diaspora, and worldwide.

Awards & Prizes

ELIGIBILITY
Films from Africa and by Africans (including the African diaspora) are given priority.
Films must have been directed or produced from November 2024 onward.
Works in progress are accepted but must be completed by August 2026.

AWARDS
Official MAAFF Awards recognize outstanding achievement across the following categories:

Best African Feature Film
Best Documentary
Best Short Film
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Actor / Best Actress
Emerging Filmmaker Award
Jury's Special Mentions

Winners receive trophies, prize money, and additional perks including mobility funds and residencies.

IZIWACU Awards are a special initiative celebrating Rwandan creativity and local film culture, honoring local filmmakers, actors, content creators, and audiovisual professionals. These awards are presented at the closing night ceremony alongside the official MAAFF awards.

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSION
All submissions must be made through the MAAFF page on FilmFreeway. For the direct link, visit: www.masharikifestival.org
Selection results will be announced in September and published on the festival website.

SCREENINGS
Each selected film receives a minimum of two public screenings, including one press viewing. Additional screenings may be arranged with the producer's consent. MAAFF is committed to protecting all films from piracy and unauthorized use.

⚠ IMPORTANT
The Mashariki African Film Festival does not pay screening fees to selected films
9 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Assi O.

    awesome! was very very impressive!

    December 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Assi. You honor the festival with your presence.

  • Tamaris Films

    Super,merci beaucoup pour la projection de mon film,j’aurais tant aimé être parmi vous…

    December 2025
    Helpful
  • Mourad kalai

    Great team and great contacts

    February 2023
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  • lionel nishimwe

    Thanks for screening my short film in your beautiful city

    February 2023
    Helpful
  • Yohan Malka

    Thank you for this amazing Festival !

    December 2022
    Helpful