Must-See Black Cinema at PAFF 2026: From Groundbreaking Debuts to Milestone Anniversaries
- Sahndra Fon Dufe
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Pan African Film & Arts Festival showcases dynamic range of storytelling from established auteurs and emerging voices (February 16-22)
Los Angeles - The 35th Pan African Film & Arts Festival returns to Los Angeles February 16–22, 2026, bringing together a compelling slate of Black cinema that spans continents, and generations. As one of the premier platforms for African diaspora storytelling, PAFF 2026 offers audiences a front-row seat to the evolution of Black filmmaking, from intimate character studies to bold directorial debuts.
This year's lineup demonstrates the festival's continued commitment to amplifying diverse voices while honoring the legacy of Black cinema. Here are the standout films demanding attention.
Fresh Voices and Bold Debuts
Paris Shardey and Abai Peace make their mark with this web series that arrives at a moment when conversations around representation in professional spaces continue to intensify. While details remain under wraps ahead of its PAFF appearance, the collaboration between Shardey and Peace signals the kind of fresh perspective the festival has long championed.
Nigerian actress and producer Omotola Jalade Ekeinde steps behind the camera for her feature directorial debut, bringing decades of industry experience to this exploration of maternal bonds.
Jalade Ekeinde, often called the "Julia Roberts of Africa" and a TIME 100 Most Influential People honoree, has built a career spanning Nollywood and international productions. Her transition to directing marks a significant milestone for one of Africa's most recognizable talents, and Mother's Love, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last year, promises to showcase the storytelling instincts she's honed across a 28-year career.
Celebrating Black Cinema's Legacy
Phat Girlz 20th Anniversary Screening
Two decades after its release, Nnegest Likké's 2006 romantic comedy returns to the big screen for a special anniversary presentation. Starring Mo'Nique in a role that centered plus-size Black women's romantic lives and self-acceptance, Phat Girlz arrived during an era when such narratives were scarce in mainstream cinema. The film's willingness to tackle body image, colorism, and self-love within the rom-com framework made it a cultural touchstone, even as it faced mixed critical reception upon release.
The anniversary screening offers a chance to reassess the film's impact and legacy, particularly as conversations around body positivity and representation have evolved significantly since 2006. For audiences who embraced Phat Girlz during its initial run, the screening represents a full-circle moment; for newer viewers, it's an opportunity to understand the film within its historical context and consider how far or how little Hollywood has come in telling these stories.
International Perspectives
British-Nigerian actor and filmmaker Raz Adoti brings his feature film to PAFF, continuing the festival's tradition of showcasing work that bridges African and diaspora experiences. Adoti, whose acting credits include Resident Evil and Black Hawk Down, joins the growing ranks of performers who have transitioned to storytelling from the director's chair, bringing insider knowledge of the industry to narratives that center African identity.
Why PAFF Matters
Now in its 35th year, the Pan African Film & Arts Festival remains an essential institution for Black cinema, providing a space where films that might struggle to find distribution can connect with engaged audiences. In an industry where Black stories still face systemic barriers to greenlight and theatrical release, PAFF serves as both incubator and showcase, launching careers while celebrating established voices.
The festival's programming consistently reflects the full spectrum of Black experiencenot just narratives of trauma and struggle, but stories of joy, complexity, ambition, and everyday life. This year's lineup continues that tradition, offering everything from the intimate scale of short films to the ambition of feature debuts.
For filmmakers, PAFF provides crucial visibility and networking opportunities. For audiences, it's a rare chance to see themselves reflected on screen in ways mainstream Hollywood still too often fails to deliver.
The 35th Pan African Film & Arts Festival runs February 16–22, 2026 in Los Angeles. For full schedules, ticket information, and film details, visit paffnow.org or follow @paffnow on social media.
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