At the bustling 13th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), The Benchmark took a deeper look at the diverse experiences that make this film festival a powerful touchstone for artists and film enthusiasts. In the vibrant world of AFRIFF 2024, where seasoned filmmakers, actors, participants and enthusiastic volunteers converge, the festival brings out the best in African cinema and fosters a shared community among participants. We spoke with two people, Adebimpe Adebambo and Damilola, each bringing unique perspectives to the festival.
Adebimpe Adebambo, a multidisciplinary artist, has made AFRIFF an integral part of her creative journey. With eight years of attendance, she has experienced the festival’s growth firsthand.
“AFRIFF keeps growing in leaps and bounds—from strength to strength,” she enthusiastically shared.
In 2018, her animation shorts screened at the festival, opening doors and elevating her visibility in the industry. Since then, she has remained deeply involved, moderating animation panels almost annually and coordinating special screenings for school students. For her, AFRIFF is a place to learn and connect continuously.
As AFRIFF celebrates its “lucky number 13 this year,” Adebambo’s expectations are high. She’s especially looking forward to a fireside chat featuring actor John Boyega and moderator Femi Okey and her role in moderating a panel for Iwaju, a groundbreaking animated series in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios and Kugali Media. For Adebambo, the excitement lies in meeting filmmakers from across the globe, exchanging ideas, and exploring potential collaborations.
“Film connects all the creative arts together, be it fashion or whatever. So I’m really quite excited,” she said, underscoring the festival’s role as a unifying force for various art forms.
Adebambo also believes that AFRIFF is a significant platform for Nigerian artists aiming to make a global impact. With 150 films selected out of over a thousand submissions, she respects the effort that goes into curating the festival.
“People even travel from different states in Nigeria, whether their films are selected or not, because they want to gain from everything that is going on,” She noted.
Workshops in cinematography, lighting, and acting enrich the festival’s offerings and provide essential resources for filmmakers and enthusiasts.
AFRIFF from the lens of a volunteer.
Damilola, a three-time volunteer, brings a fresh perspective to AFRIFF. Although relatively new to the film scene, she has found a unique joy in her role. Volunteering at AFRIFF is a chance for her to break away from the routines of her 9-to-5 job and immerse herself in a creative environment.
“Volunteering at AFRIFF is out of the ordinary for me,” she explained.
Each year, she has volunteered in a different capacity—from ushering to working on the registration team, and now as part of the cinema team, where she helps guide audiences to screenings.
Though she didn’t initially see herself in the world of film, her experience as a volunteer has gradually changed her perception of Nollywood and the African film industry. “It’s the experience that has changed my perception,” she admitted, reflecting on how AFRIFF has introduced her to a potential career path she hadn’t considered before. For Damilola, AFRIFF is a space to connect, learn, and enjoy a sense of community among creatives.
AFRIFF 2024 is a space where dreams converge. Through the experiences of Adebambo and Damilola, we see how AFRIFF, the annual film festival organised by Chioma Ude, Africa’s leading film icon, catalyzes artistic growth, international collaboration, and personal transformation.
