NBO Film Fest 2026 Returns

It has been four months since we gathered for the NBO Film Fest. Four months since we filled theatres, engaged in conversations about film, and shared the experience that defines our festival.
We've missed you.
But we haven't been idle. Planning for this year is well underway.

For ten days in 2025, Nairobi moved differently. Strangers became connections in dark theatres, united by stories that moved us. From community energy at Kaloleni Social Hall to intimate gatherings at Unseen Nairobi and the big screen experience at Prestige Cinemas, each venue contributed something unique to a shared experience.

To the filmmakers who entrusted us with your work: thank you. For your vulnerability, your dedication, and your belief in film's power to effect change. You gave us futures to imagine, presents to contemplate, and histories to carry forward.
We felt every moment. And clearly, so did you.

To our audience: you showed up. You filled seats. You engaged, questioned, returned, and brought others.
You transformed screenings into moments.
Moments into community.

Awards & Prizes

NBO FilmFest Judges' Prize launched in 2025 - https://www.nbofilmfest.com/judges-prize

NBO FilmFest Documentary Feature Award will be awarded for the first time in 2026.

NBO FilmFest Vanguard Award launched in 2024, which recognises individual trailblazers who have elevated film production standards and accelerated industry growth through their exceptional contributions to the African film and television industry in leadership, innovation, and dedication.

Rules & Terms

NBO Film Festival 2026 – Film Submissions

The NBO Film Festival 2026 will take place from 15 – 25 October 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. To be eligible for submission, films must meet the following criteria:

Eligibility
Films must have been completed within 18 months of the festival dates.
Films must not have had commercial distribution in Kenya before the festival.
Priority consideration will be given to world, national, and regional premieres.
Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles.

Submission Requirements

To complete your submission, please provide:
A completed online submission form.
A secure online screener (password-protected Vimeo link or similar).
At least 3 high-resolution film stills.
Director’s biography and filmography.
A Director’s statement (maximum 500 words).
A complete cast and crew list.
A dialogue list with timecodes (for non-English language films).
Payment of the submission fee (see fee structure below).

Submission Fees

Call for Entries: March 9, 2026
Early Deadline: March 31, 2026 - $10/ Shorts: $5
Regular Deadline: May 31, 2026- $20/ Shorts; $15
Late Deadline: July 15, 2026 - $25/ Shorts: $20
Notification Date: September 1, 2026

(To support the festival's sustainability and strength, we’ve introduced a small submission fee this year. This fee will help sustain the festival and help us keep championing bold, brilliant storytelling from Africa and beyond.)

Films must be submitted by July 15, 2026. If a film does not meet the eligibility requirements, the submission fee is non-refundable.

The final selection will be announced by October 2026.

1 Review
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  • Laikipia Documentary

    We were incredibly honored to be selected as NBO film festival's opening night film in 2024. The festival was returning from a 2 year hiatus and working on a modest budget, but the team went above and beyond to provide an incredible festival experience.

    NBO festival is run by filmmakers and creatives who absolutely love film, and this is a festival that is adored by the film community in Kenya's capital. Excited to see how this festival will continue to grow and become East Africa's best film festival.

    November 2024
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