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Press Releases


Black Film Wire Becomes JIFF 2027's Official Media Partner, Bridging African Cinema and One of the World's Fastest-Growing Film Markets
Black Film Wire becomes JIFF's first African/diaspora media partner ahead of the festival's January 2027 edition, its first-ever partnership in India. Black Film Wire officially joins JIFF 2026. Black Film Wire Becomes JIFF 2027's Official Media Partner, Bridging African Cinema and One of the World's Fastest-Growing Film Markets. Partnership marks BFW's first collaboration in India, connecting African and diaspora storytelling with Bollywood's booming industry. JAIPUR, INDIA

Y. Marie Kiven
6 days ago3 min read


Olu Jacobs, The Lion of Lufodo, Dies at 84: Remembering the Actor Who Helped Shape Nollywood
Nollywood has lost one of its defining voices Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84. His family announced his passing on September 16, 2026, describing him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and asking the public and media to respect the family’s privacy. For more than five decades, Jacobs built a career that stretched across theatre, British television, international cinema and Nigerian film. He was n

Adesewa Ojo
7 days ago4 min read


African Pictures International and Black Film Wire Join Africa Fest Barbados 2026 as Official Film and Media Partners
API and Black Film Wire join The Diasporadical Initiative's Africa Fest Barbados 2026, bringing Cameroon's Oscar-submitted film Half Heaven , plus a celebrity-studded live Q&A to Barbados this October. African Pictures International and Black Film Wire officially join Africa Fest Barbados 2026. African Pictures International and Black Film Wire Join Africa Fest Barbados 2026 as Official Film and Media Partners Cameroon's Oscar submission Half Heaven headlines Friday screening

Y. Marie Kiven
Sep 104 min read


Care Is Not About Fixing Something: Inside First Fruit With Darrin Dewitt Henson, Vijay Beasley & Beverly "BJ" Rouse
The cast and director of the short film First Fruit sat down with Black Film Wire to talk silence, grief, community, and why choosing quiet is its own kind of resistance. Darrin Dewitt Henson on set from First Fruit. Photo credit: First Fruit official BTS. First Fruit is a short film that trusts its audience. It does not raise its voice to be heard. So when Black Film Wire sat down with its writer, director, and producer Beverly "BJ" Rouse, lead actor Darrin Dewitt Henson, a

Sahndra Fon Dufe
Sep 913 min read


Silicon Valley African Film Festival Sets 2026 Lineup With 76 Films From 33 Countries
The 17th edition of SVAFF will run October 8–11 in San Jose, bringing together narrative features, documentaries, shorts and animation from across Africa and its diaspora, with a strong showing from Nigerian filmmakers. The Silicon Valley African Film Festivall (SVAFF) will return to San Jose from October 8 to 11 for its 17th edition, bringing 76 films from 33 countries to the Historic Hoover Theater. This year's programme spans narrative and documentary features and shorts,

Akinwande Jordan
Sep 52 min read


NAACP IMAGE AWARDS ADDS 10 NEW AFRICAN CATEGORIES: A CULTURAL BRIDGE ACROSS THE ATLANTIC
With categories spanning film, television, and music, the Image Awards formally recognizes African storytelling for the first time in its 59-year history, and BET's broadcast partnership means the world will be watching. By Y. Marie Kiven Kyla Pratt at the 56th NAACP Images Award Source: Instagram The NAACP Images Award have never had a dedicated home for African film, television, or music. until now. For the 58th ceremony, the organization has introduced ten new African c

Y. Marie Kiven
Sep 44 min read


Caine Prize 2026: Black Film Wire's Own Akinwande Jordan Makes the Shortlist
The 2026 Caine Prize shortlisted writers Credit: The Caine Prize for African Writing A member of the Black Film Wire family is having a major literary moment. Akinwande Remilekun Jordan, a Jr. EIC Fellow at Black Film Wire, has been shortlisted for the 2026 Caine Prize for African Writing, one of the most prestigious honors in African literature. His story, "So Long Now It's Starting To Look Like Eternity," published by Naira Books in February 2026, is one of just five stori

Sahndra Fon Dufe
Sep 44 min read


September's Must-Watch Films and Series in Black and African Cinema
1. Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother - September 25 Mahershala Ali playing a religious hitman is an intriguing contradiction! Directed by Bassam Tariq, this film is definitely one to watch. It explores themes of faith, fatherhood, and morality while delivering the tension of a crime thriller. Ali stars alongside John Cho and Giancarlo Esposito. Where to watch: In select U.S. cinemas from September 25, with a wider U.S. theatrical release on October 9 through Orion Pictures.

Oluwaseun Mary Temitope
Aug 314 min read
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