The Annual Film Mischief (TAFM) is proud to return for its fourth edition, continuing our mission to spotlight, celebrate, and empower the next generation of independent African filmmakers. This year, we invite you to join us on a transformative journey with the theme: "RECLAIMING SELF”

In a world where creators often face pressures to conform, commercialize, or compromise, TAFM 2025 asks: What happens when we pause—and reclaim our stories, identities, and creative power?

“Reclaiming Self” is a celebration of:
- Personal identity and authenticity.
- Stories rooted in resilience and self-expression.
- Films that reflect the journey of rediscovery, healing, and empowerment.

We want to see your story through your eyes.
We are open to all genres, formats, and styles, but especially welcome:
- Films exploring personal or cultural identity.
- Narratives about self-discovery, resilience, or reclaiming lost histories.
- Bold experimental works that challenge the norm.
- Intimate, raw, or reflective stories that represent the filmmaker's voice unapologetically.
- Stories from underrepresented, marginalized, or misunderstood communities.

Showcase your work at one of Africa’s most dynamic, fast-growing indie film festivals. Access an engaged community of filmmakers, critics, and film lovers across Lagos, Abuja, Accra, Dar Es Salaam.

Awards & Prizes

Our flagship Grand Cheese Prizes, recognition will also be given to:

GRAND CHEESE PRIZE
JURY CHEESE PRIZE
AUDIENCE CHEESE PRIZE

Rules & Terms

CRITERIA

Relevant Voices:
- We welcome films made by African and African diaspora filmmakers that explore or are pertinent to the African experience.

Note: Filmmakers do not need to be members of the Film Rats Club to submit, but are warmly invited to join.

All Genres Welcome:
- We accept all genres—fiction, documentary, experimental, and animation. Every qualifying entry is also eligible for our festival awards.

HOW TO QUALIFY FOR OUR AWARDS -

There is no separate application process for awards. All films submitted to The Annual Film Mischief that meet the criteria below will be automatically considered for our awards.

RULES & TERMS

ELIGIBILITY:

Formats Accepted:

- Short films (up to 30 minutes)

- Optimal duration: 3–15 minutes

- films (45 minutes and above)

Production Year:

- Films must have been completed in 2022 or later.

- Projects made before 2022 will not be considered.

SUBTITLES:

- Films in non-English languages must include English subtitles.

- Films without required subtitles will be deemed ineligible.

SUBMISSIONS
Multiple Entries:

You may submit up to 3 films. (We encourage you to submit your strongest work.)

Rights & Permissions:

- You must own or have secured rights to the film.

- Submissions without proper rights will be disqualified.

Selection Rights:

- TAFM reserves the right to accept or reject any submission based on the Panel's discretion.

Screenings:

- All official selections will be screened during the festival.

Film Rats Membership Not Required:

- While we encourage filmmakers to join the Film Rats Club, membership is not required for selection.

Online Availability:

- Films that are already available online are still eligible.

Disclaimer

Jury Independence:

- Jurors operate independently and are not obligated to provide feedback on unselected films.

Event Dates:

- Reserves the right to alter event dates or deadlines. Please check our platforms regularly for updates.

Marketing Use:

- By submitting, you permit TAFM to use your film poster, trailer, film clips, synopsis, and stills for promotional and advertising purposes.

Binding Agreement:

- Submission implies that you agree to all rules and terms outlined above.

Submission Fee:

- There is no fee to submit your film.

Submission Platform:

- All entries must be submitted exclusively via FilmFreeway.
10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Kagho Idhebor

    Great festival, good nxtworking and communication

    May 2023
    Helpful
  • Charles Solomon

    Thanks for screening our films and congratulations on an awesome festival.
    See you next year!

    May 2023
    Helpful
  • Ivie Irabor

    The Annual Film Festival was very well organized.
    Information was well circulated and they even made provisions for discounted transportation which was a very thoughtful thing.
    I look forward to the next Annual Film Mischief.

    May 2023
    Helpful
  • Yinusa A. Korede

    An awesome experience. Looking forward to the next.

    May 2023
    Helpful
  • Adenrele Olowu

    The Festival was amazing and life changing as our film won the Grand Mischief prize for Best film at the festival.

    April 2022
    Helpful