The Young Lens Film Festival (YLFF) is a dynamic and inclusive pan-African film festival dedicated to empowering and showcasing the creativity of young filmmakers across Africa and the diaspora. Taking place over four exciting days. YLFF is more than just a film festival it is a movement celebrating fresh perspectives and untapped talent in global storytelling.

The festival provides a vibrant platform for young visionaries to share their stories, connect with industry leaders, and engage with diverse audiences. YLFF highlights films that challenge conventions, inspire dialogue, and shine a light on unique cultural narratives from Africa and beyond.

Highlights of the Festival Include:

Film Screenings: Curated selections of short films, features, animations, and documentaries by young filmmakers.
Workshops & Masterclasses: Interactive sessions led by acclaimed industry professionals, fostering skill development and creative growth.
Panel Discussions: Thought-provoking conversations on the future of African cinema, representation, and the power of storytelling.
Networking Opportunities: Connecting emerging filmmakers with producers, investors, and mentors to catalyze their careers.
Awards Night: Celebrating excellence with awards across various categories, recognizing innovation, originality, and impact.
YLFF is more than a festival it is a celebration of the diverse and ever-evolving stories that define our world, offering a stage for young filmmakers to amplify their voices and reshape the narrative of African cinema on a global scale.

Join us in celebrating the next generation of storytellers and immerse yourself in the creativity, passion, and vision that define the Young Lens Film Festival.

Awards & Prizes

Young Lens Film Festival (YLFF) Awards & Prizes
The Young Lens Film Festival celebrates excellence and diversity in filmmaking with a curated list of award categories. These awards recognize creativity, innovation, and impact across various genres and themes.

Award Categories:

Narrative Feature (Fiction)
For feature-length films that tell compelling and original stories.

Documentary Feature
Highlighting stories that capture real-life events, cultures, and impactful narratives.

Short Films
Fiction or non-fiction works under 30 minutes showcasing creativity in a condensed format.

Student Films
Films created by students in film schools or training programs, showcasing emerging talent.

Animated Films
Focus on short and feature-length animations, celebrating creativity in visual storytelling.

Experimental Films
Open to boundary-pushing works that challenge traditional filmmaking norms.

Diaspora Stories
Films by African descendants in the diaspora, exploring identity, culture, and connection to the continent.

Women in Focus
Films directed or produced by women, highlighting gender equity in storytelling.

Environmental Films
Addressing issues of climate change, conservation, and sustainability in Africa.

Future of Africa Award
Films that present innovative or futuristic visions of Africa in storytelling or technology.

Young Visionary Award
Awarded to the youngest filmmaker (age 18-25) showcasing exceptional promise.

Best Use of African Folklore
Films that incorporate traditional African stories, mythology, or folklore.

Social Impact Films
Projects that focus on social change, activism, or important societal issues.

Audience Choice Award
A popular vote category to engage festival attendees and the public.

Pan-African Collaboration Award
Recognizing films that involve cross-border collaborations within Africa.

Prizes
Winners of each category will receive:

Custom Trophy: A uniquely designed YLFF trophy symbolizing excellence.
Cash Prizes: Financial awards to support their filmmaking journey.
Recognition & Exposure: Winning films will be featured on YLFF’s official platforms and partnered distribution channels.
Networking Opportunities: Access to mentorship programs and connections with industry leaders.
Future Festival Passes: Complimentary entry to upcoming editions of YLFF.
The Young Lens Film Festival aims to inspire the next generation of filmmakers while celebrating the vibrant, diverse, and evolving narratives of Africa and the diaspora.

Rules & Terms

Rules and Terms for the Young Lens Film Festival (YLFF)
By submitting your work to the Young Lens Film Festival (YLFF), you agree to the following rules and terms. Please read carefully before submitting your film.

Eligibility
Age Requirements:
Filmmakers submitting films must be between 18 and 30 years of age at the time of submission.
Submissions for the Young Visionary Award are limited to filmmakers aged 18 to 25.
Film Completion:
Films must have been completed on or after January 1, 2024.
Language:
Films in any language other than English must include accurate English subtitles.
Originality:
All films must be original works of the entrant. Plagiarism or unauthorized use of copyrighted material will result in disqualification.
Submission Requirements
Film Length:
Short Films: Maximum runtime of 30 minutes.
Feature Films: Minimum runtime of 90 minutes.
Format:
Films must be submitted digitally via FilmFreeway or another approved platform in industry-standard formats.
Entry Fees:
Entry fees are non-refundable. Discounts may be available for students or filmmakers from underserved communities.
Submission Deadlines:
Submissions must be received by the deadlines outlined on the YLFF website. Late submissions may incur additional fees.
Screening Rights:
Entrants must hold the necessary rights for all aspects of their film, including music, visuals, and footage.
Selection Process
Judging Criteria:
Films are evaluated based on creativity, originality, storytelling, technical execution, and alignment with the festival’s themes.
Notification:
Selected filmmakers will be notified via email and announced on the YLFF website and social media platforms.
Festival Screenings:
Selected films will be screened publicly during the festival. Filmmakers may be required to provide high-resolution versions of their films for screening purposes.
Rights and Permissions
Usage Rights:
By submitting, filmmakers grant YLFF the right to screen their film at the festival and use clips, stills, and promotional materials for marketing purposes.
Ownership:
Filmmakers retain full ownership of their work.
Distribution Opportunities:
Selected films may be offered distribution opportunities through festival partners, subject to the filmmaker’s consent.
General Terms
Content Restrictions:
Submissions must not include content promoting hate speech, violence, or discrimination.
Festival Participation:
Filmmakers are encouraged but not required to attend. Virtual participation options for Q&A sessions and workshops may be available.
Liability:
YLFF is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged submissions.
Final Decisions:
All selection decisions by the festival are final and cannot be appealed.
Agreement
By submitting to the Young Lens Film Festival, you agree to adhere to all rules and terms outlined above. The festival reserves the right to update or modify these rules at any time, with prior notice provided to entrants.

For inquiries, please contact admin@younglensfilmfestival.com.