Festival start: 16 September 2025
Festival end: 20 September 2025
In the 2025 edition of the Quibdó Africa Film Festival, we delve into a unique and vibrant space where Africa and its Diaspora converge. This festival is more than just a series of film screenings – it's a comprehensive cultural experience featuring workshops, conferences, and artistic exhibitions.
It's an odyssey that traverses the realms of the unknown, journeying through time – from past to present and into the future. This event is not just about showcasing films; it's about exploring a space that embodies both memory and representation, a space that prompts us to reflect on our history and the myriad ways we have evolved.
The 2025 festival is set to be a grand assembly of avant-garde Afro filmmakers, representing a dynamic artistic and cultural movement that boldly reimagines new identities through the fusion of art and historical fantasy. These creators engage in a vibrant dialogue within this artistic whirlwind, challenging and redefining conventional narratives.
At the heart of our vision for 2025 is the concept of "afrodisruptive" cinema. This genre is meant to startle and challenge, to be potent, impactful, and unsettling. It aims to disrupt the tranquility of the status quo, upending and reinvigorating it. This revolutionary artistic concept spans 360 degrees, offering a critical reexamination and reinterpretation of African traditions and narratives.
In essence, the Quibdó Africa Film Festival 2024 is not just an event; it's a cultural revolution, a reawakening of perspectives, and a celebration of the relentless spirit of Afro cinema and artistry.
In the 2025 edition of the Quibdó Africa Film Festival, the Baobab stands as a powerful and evocative symbol, especially within the framework of “Invisible Borders”.
This ancient tree, with its deep roots and imposing presence, represents the ability to resist and thrive despite the visible and invisible barriers that life imposes. In African culture, the baobab is not only a metaphor for strength, experience and wisdom, but also a refuge, a space where communities gather to share stories, break boundaries and generate knowledge. Like the Baobab, QAFF 2025 becomes a meeting point to explore those invisible boundaries that divide, but also to challenge and overcome them. This symbol reflects the unbreakable connection between Africa and its diaspora, rooted in resilience and creativity, values that embody the spirit of the festival.
This symbolism of the Baobab emerged as we sought to articulate the spiritual bond between Africa and its diaspora. It represents the mysticism shared by Africans and Afro-descendants, the invisible thread of faith that erases boundaries and blends reality with fiction. For African and Afro-descendant filmmakers, the QAFF is more than a festival; it's a confluence where Quibdó beckons us to reflect on our collective memory and the legacy we wish to pass on.
Award Categories:
Baobab Grand Prize for Feature Film
Best Director Award
Special Jury Prize for Documentary
Experimental Grand Prize
Best Animation Film Award
Best Director of Photography Award
Best Screenplay Award
Best Soundtrack Award
Distribution Award for Best Short Film
Colombian Documentary Award
Audience Award for Latin American Short
The Arnoldo Palacios "The Stars Are Black" Award
Film Heritage Award for Best Archival-Based Production
The winning film will receive the Zarpar Producciones Films Award, which includes:
Comprehensive mentorship in development, production, and distribution
One-year hybrid (in-person and virtual) support. Valued at approximately $1,500 USD.
The Prize would serve as a profound tribute to the legacy of the renowned Colombian writer, celebrating films that shed light on Afro-Colombian narratives. This award honors works that authentically portray Afro-Colombian experiences, emphasizing the richness and diversity of their culture.
Prize: The winning film will receive the Cántico Producciones Award, which includes: An original score composed for the filmmaker’s next short film. Professional audio post-production services. Valued at $6,000 USD. A prize that amplifies the filmmaker's next story through the transformative power of sound
Aligned with the Quibdó Africa Film Festival’s mission to spotlight narratives that challenge the boundaries of historical oblivion. Best Audiovisual Production Using Archival Footage. This recognition aims to highlight works that, through creative, critical, or poetic use of audiovisual archives, contribute to reinterpreting history, reshaping Afro-descendant memory, and constructing new documentary and artistic languages. The Colombian Film Heritage Foundation will offering an in-kind award consisting of a future licensing package of archival audiovisual material valued at $2,500 USD
Sections in Competition:
We invite filmmakers and producers globally to participate in these categories: Fiction, Documentary, Animation, Experimental, and other artistic and technical domains. The competition welcomes African descent filmmakers and those from other backgrounds who offer fresh perspectives on Africa. Short films can compete in the "Distribution Award" category, your short film should not currently have an international distributor or seller. Competition, showcasing thematic programs that highlight originality and style. Since 2020, a professional jury of actors, producers, directors, journalists, and more, has been awarding the prizes.
In addition to the prestigious Baobab Grand Prize for feature films, cash prizes will be awarded across various categories, celebrating the diverse and rich storytelling of Africa and its diaspora.
FESTIVAL RULES
The candidate must carefully read all the rules
Attention! By submitting your film to the QAFF, you acknowledge that you have read and adhered to the following standards.
• QAFF accepts films and videos made by both filmmakers of African descent and non-African filmmakers (Filmmaker needn't live in Africa). Preferably, films should depict positive or realistic images.
• Films can be of any genre - drama, comedy, horror, adventure, animation, romance, science fiction, experimental, etc. QAFF accepts features and shorts; narratives and documentaries.
• The festival is here to help the general public to discover the creations arising from Africa and his Diaspora. To support the African film industry by facilitating the broadcasting.
• All films that are part of the festival's official selection must comply with a fundamental requirement: to have Spanish subtitles. This requirement not only aims to ensure the accessibility of the content, but also to promote a broader understanding of the works screened for Spanish-speaking audiences.
• QAFF will accept submissions of works in progress. However, your submission must be sufficiently complete to allow our programs to follow the storyline and be able to make a decision. We will only accept one work-in-progress version of your film, so please make sure to make it your best shot. (If you expect your final version to be 90 minutes, a 45 minutes rough cut is probably not acceptable.)
IF MY FILM IS ACCEPTED, WHAT PROJECTION FORMAT WILL QAFF ACCEPT?
• QAFF screening venues are public spaces such as library auditoriums, universities, cultural centers, and open-air locations. The only accepted projection formats for films are digital downloads via links, such as Vimeo or similar platforms.
Resolution: 1920x1080 – recommended | also: 1280x720
- Vidéo : h264 - 1920x1080 - 1,78:1 - CBR - 19MBps
- Audio : AAC - stéréo - 320kbps
- Codec: H.264 | Wrapper: .mp4 / .mov
- Bit Rate: 6/20 Mbps | VBR 2-pass export recommended - Subtitles: .srt
For Short Films, you will be asked to submit an online link.
• If there are any updates for projection formats, you will receive them with your acceptance notification.
• QAFF will not accept watermarked films for public display.
• To be eligible for the official selection to compete for the Baobab, your film must be no older than 2 years at the time of the festival. If it meets this criterion, it can be entered into one of the festival's categories.
• Copies of the selected films are kept in the QAFF archives as “memory-copies” for our records.
• QAFF is a non-profit organization sustained by the generous donations of our supporters. As a result, we are unable to cover the accommodation or expenses for directors and other professionals whose work is officially selected during their stay in Quibdó. However, we are more than happy to assist those who wish to attend in finding suitable arrangements.
• The films are under the responsibility of QAFF as soon as they are received.
Our aim is to establish year-round distribution and circulation circuits in Colombia for the films in our official selection, benefiting both directors and producers.
Experimental Films
Short and Feature Films
Standard Fee15$ -8% 13.8$ PRO 33% 10.05$
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
30 Jun 25
Save up
4.95$
Submit
In our Experimental Film category, we are seeking entries that push the boundaries of conventional filmmaking. Films under 26 minutes are expected to be innovative and avant-garde in nature, showcasing creativity and originality in both form and content. The ideal submissions in this category will challenge traditional narrative structures and explore new methods of storytelling, cinematography, and editing. These films should offer unique perspectives and provoke thought, engaging the audience in ways that are unexpected and unconventional. We encourage experimental filmmakers to submit works that are not only visually and conceptually bold but also communicate powerful messages or emotions. The goal is to feature films that leave a lasting impression on audiences through their inventive approach to filmmaking, contributing to the evolution of cinema as an art form.
Animation Films
Short and Feature Films
Standard Fee15$ -8% 13.8$ PRO 33% 10.05$
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
30 Jun 25
Save up
4.95$
Submit
The film must exhibit outstanding technical proficiency and artistic vision, characterized by meticulously crafted animation, visuals, sound, and storytelling. It should introduce a novel and inventive approach to its subject matter, offering a distinct perspective on the world. The narrative of the film should be clear and compelling, skillfully conveying the subject matter in a way that captivates and engages the audience. Entertainment value is key, with the film ideally bringing humor and joy to its viewers. Furthermore, the film should possess the ability to connect emotionally with audiences, creating a memorable and lasting impact. We're looking for a film that not only tells a story but also resonates deeply with its viewers, evoking feelings and thoughts that linger long after the credits roll.
Colombian Films
Short and Feature Films
Standard Fee10$ -8% 9.2$ PRO 33% 6.7$
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
30 Jun 25
Save up
3.3$
Submit
Categories At Quibdó África Film Festival 2025, we welcome submissions across all genres, including documentaries, with a minimum runtime of 3 minutes. - Best Afrodisruptive Video Clip – Recognizing outstanding music video production that showcases artistic creativity, strong visual storytelling, and cultural representation within African diaspora. - Best Video Created with AI – Celebrating the most innovative use of AI in audiovisual storytelling, pushing the boundaries of cinematic creativity. - Be directed by a Colombian citizen. - Feature Colombia as a major production country. - Have a Colombian citizen or permanent resident as a credited producer or co-producer. We seek films that bring fresh, innovative perspectives on Colombian themes, emphasizing the country’s unique cultural, social, and historical aspects. Our goal is to showcase captivating, thought-provoking, and inspiring works that deepen the audience’s understanding of Colombian life and culture.
Shorts Documentary
Short Films 52'<
Standard Fee15$ -8% 13.8$ PRO 33% 10.05$
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
30 Jun 25
Save up
4.95$
Submit
Short Documentaries for the festival must be under 52 minutes in length, showcasing exceptional technical skill and artistic vision. These films should feature expertly crafted visuals, sound, and storytelling. We are looking for films that bring fresh and innovative approaches to their subject matter, offering unique perspectives on the world. Each film should be socially and culturally relevant, highlighting significant issues and themes that resonate with today's audiences. The best Colombian documentary will be one that not only captivates viewers but also provides new insights into the world. It should have the potential to inspire and entertain, leaving a lasting impression on its audience. We're eager to see films that challenge the norm and provoke thought, sparking conversations and making a profound impact through their narrative.
Features Documentary
Short and Feature Films >52' 150'<
Standard Fee20$ -8% 18.4$ PRO 33% 13.4$
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
30 Jun 25
Save up
6.6$
Submit
Documentary features eligible for the festival should have a runtime between 52 and 150 minutes. We are seeking documentaries made by African or Afro-descendant directors that engage and captivate audiences. These films should challenge societal norms and offer unique, insightful perspectives on the world. We're looking for masterpieces that not only leave a lasting impact but also inspire audiences to view the world through new and varied lenses. These documentaries should be powerful narratives that enrich understanding and bring to light untold stories.
Shorts Films
Short Films 40'<
Standard Fee20$ -8% 18.4$ PRO 33% 13.4$
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
30 Jun 25
Save up
6.6$
Submit
Short Films of up to 40 minutes are welcomed from filmmakers of any background, covering any topic or individual imaginable. We encourage a wide array of genres, including experimental and animation, as well as other innovative stylistic approaches that challenge and expand the boundaries of conventional filmmaking. Eligible films must have been completed on or after December 31, 2022. For consideration in the Distribution Award category, your short film should not currently have an international distributor or seller. This is an opportunity to showcase groundbreaking short films and gain recognition in the global film community.
Features Films
Feature Films >60' 180'<
Standard Fee20$ -8% 18.4$ PRO 33% 13.4$
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
30 Jun 25
Save up
6.6$
Submit
Feature films spanning from 60 to 180 minutes, crafted by either African or Afro-descendant directors. These films are designed to captivate audiences, challenge societal norms, and offer distinct perspectives on the world. They are masterpieces that leave an indelible mark, inspiring viewers to see the world through fresh and diverse lenses.
Festhome holds accountable fees festivals by holding the payment of the fees of most newer festivals until they have viewed the submissions, held their festivals and other methods.
-8%
13.8$
Festhome holds accountable fees festivals by holding the payment of the fees of most newer festivals until they have viewed the submissions, held their festivals and other methods. 