The Nigeria AI Film Festival (NAIFF) is set to return in September 2026 at Alliance Française, Lagos, with organisers promising an even bigger and more impactful edition.
Founded by Obinna Okerekeocha, the festival has quickly become a meeting point for filmmakers, technology enthusiasts, and creative professionals interested in exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming storytelling and film production across Africa.
Following a successful debut in 2025, the festival attracted more than 400 submissions and featured film screenings, panel discussions, and the launch of its AI Academy, a platform designed to equip creatives with practical skills for AI-powered filmmaking.
Reflecting on the maiden edition, the festival’s Director of Communications and panel host, Chidera “Odera Collins” Okonji, described the experience as a necessary disruption that challenged traditional storytelling methods while opening doors to new creative possibilities.
Many participants also praised the event for being immersive, educational, and eye-opening, with several attendees experiencing firsthand how artificial intelligence is already influencing filmmaking within Nollywood and across the African continent.
According to the organisers, the 2026 edition will build on the momentum of last year’s success, with a stronger focus on innovation, collaboration, and meaningful discussions around the ethical use of AI in the film industry.
Okonji said the festival aims to support creators while pushing the boundaries of what is possible with emerging technology.
The event will feature screenings of AI-driven films, industry panel sessions, hands-on workshops, training programmes, and networking opportunities that bring together professionals from 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 projects that explore fresh and innovative ways of telling stories through artificial intelligence.
