African Short Film Observatory ()

Festival start: 03 May 2024      Festival end: 31 May 2024

African Short Film Observatory Showcase 2024: Celebrating African Cinema

Join us in May for an extraordinary cinematic journey at the African Short Film Observatory Showcase. This online festival is dedicated to the captivating world of African short films, where storytelling and culture blend in exquisite harmony. Our goal is to illuminate the incredible talents behind these films, empowering them and the African cinematic landscape through a comprehensive study of the short film medium.

What to Expect:

Diverse Short Films: Explore a curated selection of short films from African creators. These films span various genres including fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental.

Artist Spotlight: We believe in celebrating the artists behind the films. Through Q&A sessions and in-depth discussions, you'll gain insight into the creative minds shaping the future of African cinema.

Cultural Exploration: Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of African culture and storytelling. The films selected for the showcase either come from African creators or delve deep into African themes, offering a unique lens into the continent's narratives.

Empowerment: The heart of our mission is to empower filmmakers. Through insightful studies, analyses, and collaborative initiatives, we aim to elevate African cinema on the global stage. We believe in the importance of independant and student films and want to share them to the world!

Community Engagement: Join a vibrant community of film enthusiasts, creators, and scholars who share your passion for the magic of short films and the African cinematic experience.

The African Short Film Observatory Showcase 2024 is a celebration of African creativity and a platform for artists to shine. We invite you to be a part of this remarkable journey as we honor the power of storytelling and the voices that enrich the world of cinema. Together, let's elevate African cinema and its incredible artists.

Save the date and stay tuned for updates on our website and social media channels. Be on the lookout for our showcase. See you in May for our first edition!

Awards Descriptions:

Emerging Talent Award
The "Emerging Talent Award" is a tribute to the rising stars of the film world. This accolade acknowledges the remarkable creativity, innovation, and potential of emerging filmmakers who are making their mark in the industry. It celebrates fresh voices, bold storytelling, and the promise of a bright future in cinema. This award is a testament to the power of originality and the exciting possibilities that new talent brings to the world of filmmaking.

The winner and favorit films from the public will be presented in institutions members of our circle as a short film program. This opportunity offers the chance for the films to be seen across the world by fellow enthusiasts filmmaker, scholars and short film lovers of all ages! This also comes with interviews and promotion of the artist/team behind the film.

Theses initiatives aim to spotlight and honor the remarkable diversity, creativity, and storytelling prowess within African cinema, while also providing a platform for emerging talent to shine on the web.

Submission Rules:

Film Duration: Submitted films must be under 30 minutes in length.

African Origin: Films must have a direct connection to Africa. They should be created by African filmmakers or filmmakers from the African diaspora.

Portrayal of African Way of Life: Films should reflect the African way of life, culture, and themes. Whether through narrative, visuals, or storytelling, the film should provide insights into the diverse African experience.

Non-Commercial Projects: We do not accept commercial projects. Submitted films should prioritize artistic and cultural significance over commercial interests.

Language and Subtitles: Films in languages other than English should include English subtitles to ensure accessibility for a wider audience.

Originality: Filmmakers must have the necessary rights and permissions for all elements within the film, including music, images, and any copyrighted materials.

Quality Standards: Submitted films should meet reasonable technical and artistic quality standards to ensure a meaningful viewing experience.

Submission Deadline: Films must be submitted by the specified deadline to be considered for the festival.

Production Timeline: Films must have been produced between the years 2022 and up to February 2024 to be considered for the festival.

Diversity and Inclusion: We strongly encourage submissions from filmmakers belonging to underrepresented communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, women, and individuals from marginalized backgrounds, as part of our commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

Unalterable Submission: Selected films must commit to keeping the essence and idea of the film unchanged once submitted.

Promotional Use: By submitting a film, filmmakers automatically agree that their work may be used for promotional publications and materials related to the African Short Film Observatory.

Copyright: By submitting your short film to the African Short Film Observatory (ASFO) festival, you acknowledge that we do not provide compensation for copyright. We encourage filmmakers to submit their work with the intent of promoting their creativity and reaching a wider audience. ASFO is committed to showcasing your talent and celebrating African cinema. Your submission signifies your desire to share your vision with the world and be part of a community passionate about the art of filmmaking.

Legal Responsibility: Filmmakers are responsible for complying with all legal requirements, including copyrights, licenses, and permissions.

Acceptance and Rejection: Acceptance into the festival is at the discretion of the festival selection committee. Not all submissions will be selected for the showcase.