DUE TO RESTRUCTURING AND REORGANIZING, THE WEST AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL IS CURRENTLY ON HIATUS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR OF 2023 - 2024 AND WILL NOT ACCEPT FILM SUBMISSIONS DURING THIS TIME FRAME.

ANY FUTURE UPDATES WILL BE POSTED HERE.

West Africa is a region of astonishing beauty, a mosaic of peoples and cultures and the source of much of American contemporary music. It’s also the heart of Africa’s film industry. Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, and Senegal produce some of the most compelling documentaries and dramas being filmed today. The comedies, shorts, and music videos give voice to the next generation of young Africans as they reach out to the world through films.

Even though most African Americans would trace their ancestry to the countries of West Africa, news from the region is often limited to crisis reporting. It’s time to start a new conversation, one that promotes a better understanding of the creativity, richness, and diversity of West Africa.

The West African Film Festival will present films that are either from the region, by West African artists, or are about the life and culture of West Africa. We will screen those films that provide insight into the complexity and diversity of the region and that give the viewer realistic perspectives on the people, culture, art, history, and
politics. It is a journey to West Africa, through the voices and talent of its people.

The festival will also include director Q&As, guest speakers, school screenings, student events, and parties. You’ll enjoy musical groups on the plaza and live cultural performances every afternoon. All films and lectures are free to students, thanks to the support of the University of Houston.

Awards & Prizes

DUE TO RESTRUCTURING AND REORGANIZING, THE WEST AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL IS CURRENTLY ON HIATUS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR OF 2023 - 2024 AND WILL NOT ACCEPT FILM SUBMISSIONS DURING THIS TIME FRAME.

ANY FUTURE UPDATES WILL BE POSTED HERE.

Best Documentary: Filmmaker will be invited to a virtual "filmmakers' roundtable" with other filmmakers and a Hollywood insider to share best practices for one hour, will receive a list of filmmakers' resources, and will receive promotional marketing for six months through festival's social media outlets. The West African Film Festival has various partnerships with local museums and cultural centers, in which many have requested additional viewing of selected films and paid for licensing rights directly to filmmakers. Filmmaker will receive the “Best Documentary” certificate.

Best Short Film: Filmmaker will be invited to a virtual "filmmakers' roundtable" with other filmmakers and a Hollywood insider to share best practices for one hour, will receive a list of filmmakers' resources, and will receive promotional marketing for six months through festival's social media outlets. The West African Film Festival has various partnerships with local museums and cultural centers, in which many have requested additional viewing of selected films and paid for licensing rights directly to filmmakers. Filmmaker will receive the “Best Short Film” certificate.

Best Social Issues Film: Filmmaker will be invited to a virtual "filmmakers' roundtable" with other filmmakers and a Hollywood insider to share best practices for one hour, will receive a list of filmmakers' resources, and will receive promotional marketing for six months through festival's social media outlets. The West African Film Festival has various partnerships with local museums and cultural centers, in which many have requested additional viewing of selected films and paid for licensing rights directly to filmmakers. Filmmaker will receive the “Best Social Issues Film” certificate.

Best Foreign Language Film: Filmmaker will be invited to a virtual "filmmakers' roundtable" with other filmmakers and a Hollywood insider to share best practices for one hour, will receive a list of filmmakers' resources, and will receive promotional marketing for six months through festival's social media outlets. The West African Film Festival has various partnerships with local museums and cultural centers, in which many have requested additional viewing of selected films and paid for licensing rights directly to filmmakers. Filmmaker will receive the “Best Foreign Language Film” certificate.


Best Drama/Action Film: Filmmaker will be invited to a virtual "filmmakers' roundtable" with other filmmakers and a Hollywood insider to share best practices for one hour, will receive a list of filmmakers' resources, and will receive promotional marketing for six months through festival's social media outlets. The West African Film Festival has various partnerships with local museums and cultural centers, in which many have requested additional viewing of selected films and paid for licensing rights directly to filmmakers. Filmmaker will receive the “Best Drama and Action Film” certificate.

Best Mystery Film: Filmmaker will be invited to a virtual "filmmakers' roundtable" with other filmmakers and a Hollywood insider to share best practices for one hour, will receive a list of filmmakers' resources, and will receive promotional marketing for six months through festival's social media outlets. The West African Film Festival has various partnerships with local museums and cultural centers, in which many have requested additional viewing of selected films and paid for licensing rights directly to filmmakers. Filmmaker will receive the “Best Mystery Film” certificate.

Disclaimer: The categories below are subject to change depending on the genres of the submitted and selected films.

Rules & Terms

DUE TO RESTRUCTURING AND REORGANIZING, THE WEST AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL IS CURRENTLY ON HIATUS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR OF 2023 - 2024 AND WILL NOT ACCEPT FILM SUBMISSIONS DURING THIS TIME FRAME.

ANY FUTURE UPDATES WILL BE POSTED HERE.

ELIGIBILITY
1. We accept films that cover issues affecting West Africa, teach West African history or politics, promote West African culture, or have been made by West African filmmakers.
2. Films completed after January 1, 2015 are eligible.
3. Films are not eligible if they (a) have screened publicly in the Houston area, (b) have had a theatrical run in the US prior to the Festival dates, (c) have aired on US television prior to the Festival dates, (d) are available for purchase on DVD in North America, or (e) are available for public online viewing in their entirety.
4. All entries must be either in English or subtitled in English.
5. Entrant confirms and warrants required legal authority to submit the entry into the Festival and to use all music, images, and content in the entry.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
1. You may submit your entry through FilmFreeway.
2. Or you can mail three copies, DVD or Blu-Ray, to the address below. Include a cover letter or use the submission form to send the following information: Title of Film; Genre(s); Total Running Time; Logline; Short Story Synopsis; Director(s); Producers and/or Production Company Name; Contact Person Name & Full Contact Information, including mailing address, email address and phone
3. Submissions must include a trailer and promotional art, such as a poster, in jpeg or similar format.
4. The DVD and package must be postage paid, no COD. It will not be returned and will be donated to the University of Houston library. By submitting you are agreeing to this and to being responsible for any problems which might arise due to any un-cleared material (music or other).
5. Films chosen for viewing at the festival will be announced on December 1, 2022.
6. Filmmakers or screenwriters accepted and attending the festival are responsible for travel, lodging, and all other expenses.
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Maky Madiba Sylla

    It was a very good experience. I couldn't attend the festival but one of my very good friend was there to represent me.

    March 2022
    Helpful
  • Joseph Pelegreen

    Loved my experience with the WAFF. Guests were Zoomed in from across the globe to discuss the subject matter of the film in what became possibly the most memorable night of Mamakrom's festival run. Huge thank you to the team for pouring so much of themselves into this festival!

    March 2021
    Helpful
  • Jane Labous

    Great communication and really friendly people. We weren't able to attend, but LOVED being part of this festival 😊😊

    April 2020
    Helpful
  • Judith Audu

    It was the first time a film festival will call me to give feedback about the audience reaction and also give advice on ways to improve as a filmmaker, they also made efforts to birth collaboration with the filmmakers. It was really nice to hear how the audience received our short film #Mirabel. I would love to screen my film with them again, really really awesome team.

    April 2019
    Helpful