By Peace Udugba
The Nigeria AI Film Festival (NAIFF) is set to return this September 2026 at Alliance Française Lagos, continuing its mission to explore the growing role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking across Africa.
Founded by Obinna Okerekeocha, NAIFF has quickly established itself as a key gathering point for filmmakers, technologists, and creative professionals interested in the intersection of AI and storytelling. Following a successful debut edition, the festival is positioning itself as a platform for innovation, collaboration, and dialogue on the future of African cinema.
The inaugural edition attracted more than 400 submissions and featured curated film screenings, industry panel discussions, and the AI Academy, an initiative designed to equip creatives with practical skills and tools for AI-driven film production.
According to Chidera “Odera Collins” Okonji, Director of Communications for the festival, the experience proved to be “a necessary disruption,” challenging traditional approaches to filmmaking while opening new creative possibilities. He noted that many participants gained valuable insights into how AI is already influencing film production within Nollywood and across the African continent.
Building on the momentum of its debut, the 2026 edition will place greater emphasis on experimentation, collaboration, and meaningful discussions surrounding the ethical use of AI in filmmaking.
The festival programme will include:
Screenings of selected AI-driven films
Industry panel discussions and conversations
Hands-on workshops and training sessions
Networking opportunities for professionals across the creative and technology sectors
Submissions for the 2026 festival opened on May 1 and will remain open until July 31. Filmmakers, artists, and digital creators are encouraged to submit works that explore innovative approaches to storytelling through artificial intelligence.
Director of Programs, Chisom Ifeakandu, emphasized the importance of ensuring African storytellers remain at the forefront of global conversations about AI and creativity.
“We want to see films that use AI not as a gimmick, but as a genuine tool in service of stories that matter,” she said. “Show us something we’ve never seen before, make it feel true, and make it unmistakably yours.”
NAIFF remains committed to fostering an environment where innovation in African cinema can thrive sustainably, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces human creativity.
Submissions can be made via FilmFreeway, while additional information about the festival is available on the official NAIFF website.
For submissions: https://filmfreeway.com/NaijaAIFilmFestival
For more information: https://www.naijaaifilmfest.com/
