The Iowa African Film Festival (IAFF) is Iowa's first dedicated platform for African and diaspora film and storytelling. Inaugurated in August 2026 and hosted at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, the IAFF brings curated African films, filmmaker conversations, and community programming to a first-of-its-kind audience in the American Midwest.
Iowa is home to one of the fastest-growing African and diaspora communities in the region — yet no dedicated platform for African film has existed in this state until now.
The IAFF changes that. Selected films will be screened before live audiences across two days of programming — August 6 and 7 — featuring curated screenings, expert panel discussions, and filmmaker Q&A sessions. The festival concludes on the evening of August 7 with a Stakeholders Dinner, a closed-door gathering of industry professionals, community leaders, and partners where outstanding works are recognised and celebrated.
On August 8, the Motherland Experience and Celebration brings the wider community together for a full day of African culture, arts, and connection. The festival is produced by Kuona Foundation in partnership with One Voice Des Moines (501(c)(3) nonprofit) and Africa Live Network (ALN Studios). Our selection committee comprises film professionals, cultural practitioners, and community representatives committed to centring authentic African voices.
Screening Dates: August 6–7, 2026
Venue: Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa
Admission: Free
Outstanding works are recognised at the IAFF Stakeholders Dinner on the evening of August 7, 2026 — a closed-door event bringing together industry professionals, community leaders, civic partners, and supporters of the festival.
Recognition will be awarded across the following categories:
Best Feature Film — outstanding African or diaspora feature-length work demonstrating exceptional storytelling, artistic quality, and cultural authenticity.
Best Documentary — outstanding documentary illuminating African or diaspora experiences, histories, or perspectives.
Best Short Film — exceptional short film (under 40 minutes) by an African or diaspora filmmaker.
Audience Choice Award — selected by festival attendees across all screening days.
Award recipients receive official IAFF recognition, festival laurels for use in promotional materials, and are featured in post-festival press communications across One Voice DSM, ALN Studios, and Kuona Foundation platforms and networks.
