African Indigenous Language Film Festival (Ailff) (3)

Festival start: 08 October 2025      Festival end: 11 October 2025

AILFF’25 invites filmmakers across Africa and the diaspora to submit films for its 3rd edition. This festival celebrates stories in African indigenous languages, focusing on cultural heritage, inclusion, and advocacy—especially for people with Down Syndrome and neurogenetic conditions

This year, AILFF’25 highlights films that depict the experiences of people with Down Syndrome, using cinema as a catalyst for empathy and social change.

The festival calls on filmmakers to illuminate overlooked narratives and foster dialogues on inclusivity. Participants will experience engaging screenings, panel discussions, and workshops, led by filmmakers and advocates focused on language, identity, and accessibility.

Join us in Nigeria to help safeguard Africa’s linguistic richness, amplify silenced voices, and build a future.

Best African Indigenous Language Feature Film
Best Short film
Best student Film
Best Advocacy Narrative
Best Animation
Life Time Achievement Awards
Posthumous Award
Best in Industry Support Award

AILFF RULES FOR ENTRIES

Film Requirements:
- Primary focus: Films in African indigenous languages.
- Films in other languages must highlight Down Syndrome or neurogenetic conditions.
- All films must have English, French, or Portuguese subtitles.

- Eligibility:
- Shorts, features, documentaries, and animations completed after 1 Jan 2023.
- Student and first-time filmmakers encouraged to apply.

- Themes:
- Cultural preservation, linguistic diversity, social inclusion.
- Breaking stereotypes about neurodiversity and celebrating resilience.

- Technical Specs:
- Digital formats: MP4/MOV, 1080p+.
- Include a 200-word synopsis, director’s statement, and a trailer (if available)