African Film Festival Atlanta announces call for submissions

The African Film Festival Atlanta (AFFATL), powered by the African Film & Arts Foundation Inc. (AFAF), is pleased to announce that the regular call for film submissions is now open for its fifth edition, scheduled to take place March 26 – March 30, 2026. The regular submission deadline is November 14, 2025.

Now entering its fifth year, AFFATL remains committed to its mission of celebrating compelling African and Diasporic storytelling. The 2026 festival theme, “CTRL + CULTURE = AFRICA’S NEXT CINEMA CODE,” highlights how African filmmakers are harnessing technology and digital innovation to reclaim and reshape their narratives. It reflects a cinematic future where intentional creativity, cultural heritage, and digital empowerment come together to define Africa’s next chapter in global storytelling.

As Georgia’s first homegrown African film festival, AFFATL continues to carve out a vital space in the southeastern United States for films by and about people of African descent. The festival has grown in both scope and impact, offering a platform for bold, diverse works that not only challenge stereotypes but also spark dialogue, deepen cultural understanding, and affirm African voices at the center of global cinema.

“This festival is about more than cinema; it is about connection, healing, and cultural ownership,” said Mojisola Sonoiki, Festival Director. “We invite filmmakers to share stories that celebrate nuance, expand our imagination, and contribute to a collective vision of African and Diaspora life that is authentic, layered, and future-focused.”

Film Categories Open for Submission

Narrative Features
Documentary Features
Narrative Shorts
Documentary Shorts
Films of all genres are welcome. AFFATL especially encourages submissions from filmmakers of African descent and works that reflect the richness, complexity, and brilliance of African and Diaspora experiences.

Selected films will be featured in curated screenings, public talks, workshops, and community events across Atlanta, connecting filmmakers, scholars, industry leaders, and audiences in one of America’s most dynamic cultural hubs.

Submissions accepted via FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/AfricanFilmFestATL ● Late Deadline: January 9, 2026

For additional information, please visit www.africanfilmfestatl.com