Bridging cultures through film; Encouraging the art of storytelling; and Supporting underserved filmmakers of African descent. TAFF celebrates creativity that either promote African culture; address issues affecting Africa and people of African descent; or explore African landmarks and historic leaders.

Best Narrative Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short
Best Animated Feature
Best Animated Short
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Screenplay
Best Costume
Best Young Talent
Best Emerging Filmmaker
Best Cinematography
Best Soundtrack
Best Indigenous Film
ROOTFLIX Viewers Choice
Founder's Best Story
Best Artist

Submitted films must meet any of the following criteria:

Each film must have a synopsis, a standard size poster (500 x 750), and a trailer that is 60 seconds or less.
Films that promote African culture
Films about African history, leaders, or landmarks
Films that address issues affecting Africa or Africans
Films that feature Africans in lead or supporting role
Films made by filmmakers of African descent

All film entries must be received by the late deadline of December 31st through FilmFreeway.

All photos and trailers provided by "submitter" may be used for any festival promotions.

All entrants certify that they have been given full rights to use any and all music in their films.

If we are notified about any copyright infringement about your work, we will automatically disqualify your film and remove it from our platform.

Only selected films can participate in online screening on ROOTFLIX. You may opt out from screening your film virtually when you receive official selection letter.

Jury Award winners will be selected by a panel of active film industry professionals. All films go through a screening process and are reviewed by at least two members of the selection committee.

Winners agree to participate in the publicity for the Festival as well as other promotional events, including the website.

Selected film entries will be notified by February 1st before the Festival. Awards will be announced on the final day of the Festival. One award or prize will be given to the individual designated on the official entry form as "submitter".

Filmmakers accepted and attending the festival are responsible for travel, lodging, and all other expenses.

All stated information, eligibility and submission guidelines, terms and conditions of entry, and entry information is subject to change by The African Film Festival, without notice.

MARKETING AND PUBLICITY:
If selected, filmmakers will provide the following materials no later than April 1st to TAFF:
• Digital images / film posters (email to info@theafricanfilmfestival.org)
• Press Kits, if available (email to info@theafricanfilmfestival.org)
• A picture and short bio/filmography of the director (email to info@theafricanfilmfestival.org)
• Electronic copy of screeners

FILM FORMATS AND SHIPMENT:
SUBMISSION FORMAT:
• Films must be submitted on flash drive in MOV or MP4 High Pro Res Quality.
• Films can be password protected and sent to TAFF for download

FESTIVAL SCREENING FORMAT:
The African Film Festival will only screen films in one of the following formats:
• .MOV
• .MP4

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Lance Lutge

    The overall experience of submitting our film and being screened at the festival was amazing. Unfortunately we were unable to attend in person.

    July 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Lance! We enjoyed your brilliant work and we look forward to your future projects, as well as hosting you in Dallas. All the Best!!

  • A fantastic festival that serves as a reference for African cinema. What an honor to be selected and awarded Best Feature Documentary in 2023 with my film, "Mamody, the last baobab digger." Excellent communication. Beautiful programming. I highly recommend this festival.

    June 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Cyrille, “Mamody, the last baobab digger" was simply outstanding. Congratulations once again as we look forward to more of your great work.

  • Iam so humbled. Thank you TAFF

    June 2023
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    Response from festival:

    You are very welcome, Leonard. Keep up the great work.

  • joaquin azulay

    Thank you TAFF for selecting our Film African Territory. We were honored. We hope we get to attend to the next editions to come!

    June 2023
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    Response from festival:

    You are very welcome, Joaquin. We look forward to your future film and hosting you in Dallas.

  • Thank you for selecting my short, such an honor.

    June 2023
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    Response from festival:

    You are welcome, Tarek. We enjoyed your film and we look forward to your future projects.