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Resources
Need context, history, funding, and marketing film resources, or deep dives into iconic works? Our references section has your back with everything you need to understand the culture of Black cinema.
Grants
MultiChoice Group and FAME Week Africa Open Drama Commissioning Call for African Producers.
FAME Week Africa, in partnership with MultiChoice Group, a CANAL+ company, has announced the MultiChoice Group Premium Drama Call for Projects, inviting producers across Africa to submit original drama series concepts for potential commissioning. The call is looking for high-concept, contemporary drama series that are commercially appealing, action-driven and rooted in authentic African stories. Projects should explore universal themes, offer aspirational storytelling and hav
Oluwaseun Mary Temitope
Aug 181 min read
5 African Film & Creative Grants Closing Soon (July–August 2026): Screenwriting Labs, Accelerators, and Trade Programs Worth Your Next 48 Hours
Three deadlines land within the next six weeks: one closes tomorrow, spanning a screenwriting accelerator, a startup accelerator, and a trade-show pavilion across the African creative economy. By Kiven Marie Five African Creative Grants Closing Soon- July and August 2026 Three opportunities on the board right now, for screenwriters, for creative builders, and for food & beverage entrepreneurs. One of these closes tomorrow, so don't sleep on it. For Screenwriters: Origin Write
Y. Marie Kiven
Jul 222 min read
Global Stage: ATL Culture House Opens Submissions for Creatives Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
ATL Culture House officially opens curated submissions for cultural producers and storytellers ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 . Atlanta, GA March 27, 2026 ATL CULTURE HOUSE OPEN CALL As Atlanta prepares to take its place as a cornerstone host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026 , the focus is shifting from the pitch to the city's powerhouse creative economy. ATL Culture House has officially announced an open call for cultural producers, curators, and multidisciplinary creati
African Pictures International
Mar 272 min read
St. Kitts and Nevis Updates Citizenship Programme: Why It Matters for International Black Film Stakeholders
St. Kitts and Nevis implements mandatory biometric data for Citizenship by Investment Programme. What Black film stakeholders need to know about mobility The Citizenship by Investment Unit of St. Kitts and Nevis has announced the upcoming implementation of mandatory biometric data collection for all new applicants under its Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI), with the measure expected to take effect before the end of Q1 2026. The initiative aligns the Federation’s secu
Sahndra Fon Dufe
Feb 243 min read
Final Draft Updates Its Terms of Service: Here's What Every Filmmaker Needs to Know Before Your Scripts Are Gone
Final Draft updated its Terms of Service in 2026. Here's what Black filmmakers, screenwriters, and indie film students need to know before your scripts disappear. When a company like Final Draft updates its Terms of Service and End User License Agreement , it's easy to dismiss as legal housekeeping. But that is not the case If you're building IP, pitching streamers, developing festival-bound scripts, or working on anything you intend to own and monetize, those terms directly
Sahndra Fon Dufe
Feb 246 min read
Resources and Opportunities for Black Talent in Film and TV: January 2026
Looking for film funding or festival entries? Explore the January 2026 Black Film Wire guide to resources for filmmakers across the global Black diaspora. 2026 is heating up to be an exciting year for film and TV. For budding and established black talent, this also represents multiple opportunities to upskill, exhibit work on larger stages, and secure funding for passion projects. It is to this end that Black Film Wire has put together an extensive list of available opportun
John Eriomala
Jan 255 min read
AFFC Storytellers Film Lab Cohort III: Empowering Nairobi's Emerging Female Filmmakers
AFFC Storytellers Film Lab Cohort III is now accepting applications from emerging female filmmakers in Nairobi. 6-week program, apply by February 2. The African Female Filmmakers Collective (AFFC) has announced an open call for its highly anticipated Storytellers Film Lab Cohort III , a transformative opportunity designed specifically for emerging women filmmakers based in Nairobi, Kenya. This intensive six-week program offers hands-on training, professional mentorship, and
Sahndra Fon Dufe
Jan 232 min read
Urban Vision Makes Casting Call For Male and Female TV Role
The Nigerian studio behind ‘The Men's Club’ has put out a call for a male and female role in a new TV Series. Apply by 26 January, 2026. Filmmaker and Founder of Urban Vision 360 Tola Odunsi has put out a casting call for two lead roles in an upcoming TV series. The announcement, made via social media yesterday, states that interested actors and actresses should be between 25 and 35 years old, and preferably be relatively new faces. They are to send a profile, social med
John Eriomala
Jan 151 min read
Film Festivals
S.O.U.L. Fest x ABFF London Corrects Schedule for Its Two Sony Pictures Entertainment Industry Conversations
From Shadow to Set moves into the festival's Sunday closing slot, while Beyond the Screen shifts to Saturday afternoon, alongside the UK first look at Gina Prince-Bythewood's Children of Blood and Bone, as the UK's leading Black British film festival finalizes programming for its eighth edition. Beyond the Screen .Credit : S.O.U.L. Fest x ABFF London] S.O.U.L. Fest x ABFF London has issued an updated schedule for its two Sony Pictures Entertainment-presented industry conversa
Sahndra Fon Dufe
Aug 203 min read
CAMIFF 2026 Opens in Grand Style as Festival Marks Landmark 10th Anniversary in Buea
CAMIFF 2026 opens its 10th anniversary edition in Buea with a landmark ceremony at Mountain Hotel, uniting African and international filmmakers for a week of screenings, tributes, and industry exchange, while celebrating a decade of impact in Central African cinema. The Cameroon International Film Festival officially commenced its landmark 10th edition in Buea with a vibrant and emotionally resonant opening ceremony, setting the tone for what promises to be a defining moment
Cheng Fon Njong
Apr 253 min read
DAY 3 HIGHLIGHT: Craft, Collaboration and Cinema Community Defined a Packed Third Day at CAMIFF.
…………………………………………………………………………. By Njei Ryan FOR BLACK FILM WIRE By Day Three, CAMIFF 2026 had fully hit its stride. The festival grounds carried that unmistakable midpoint energy, where strangers have become collaborators, workshop participants are beginning to sound like filmmakers, and every room seems to be holding a different conversation about the future of African cinema. Thursday was one of those festival days where everything seemed to happen at once. Acting. Directing
Njei Ryan
Apr 246 min read
ABFF-SELECTED CAMEROONIAN DRAMA LIGHTS OUT MAKES LANDMARK AVANT-PREMIERE IN DOUALA, STARRING WALE OJO, ELIZABETH NGONGANG AND SYNDY EMADE
Psychological Dementia Drama from the Team Behind Cameroon’s Oscar-Submitted Half Heaven Draws Industry and Press to Majestic Bessengue Ahead of ABFF Miami and Ohio Premieres DOUALA, CAMEROON- According to Black Film Wire, LIGHTS OUT, the psychological drama addressing dementia through the lens of family, grief, and institutional neglect, held its Cameroon avant-premiere on Saturday, 18 April 2026, at Majestic Bessengue, one of the country’s newest and most strategically posi
Sahndra Fon Dufe
Apr 217 min read
Silicon Valley African Film Festival Appoints Teresa Chapman to International Advisory Board
Bimbo Ademoye's latest YouTube film arrives with 8 million views, a standout supporting cast, and serious style, but does the dual performance at its centre fully deliver? April 13, 2026 Teresa Chapman The Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) has announced the appointment of Teresa Chapman to its International Advisory Board, effective immediately. Teresa’s addition marks a strategic step for the festival as it continues to expand its influence as a leading platform
Y. Marie Kiven
Apr 132 min read
Cameroon's Lights Out Lands on ABFF 2026 Lineup as Festival Unveils 30th Anniversary Slate With Jamie Foxx, Marsai Martin and More
The American Black Film Festival has unveiled its 2026 lineup, with Cameroon's Lights Out earning a world premiere slot among the international narrative features in this landmark anniversary slate. Atlanta, GA April 9, 2026 AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVALS’ 30TH ANNIVERSARY | MAY 27-31 https://www.abff.com/miami/ The American Black Film Festival has revealed its official 2026 lineup, celebrating its 30th anniversary with a slate tied to Jamie Foxx, Marsai Martin, Courtney B.
Sahndra Fon Dufe
Apr 92 min read
Blair Underwood and Prisma James Named Faces of CAMIFF 2026 | Hollywood Star's Cameroonian Roots Take Centre Stage at 10th Anniversary Edition
April 20–25, 2026 | Buea Mountain Hotel, Buea, Cameroon CAMIFF 2026 marks a decade of African cinema with an international feature film competition, star-studded cultural events, and industry programming across six days on the slopes of Mount Cameroon. BUEA, CAMEROON - March 2026 The Cameroon International Film Festival (CAMIFF) returns to the slopes of Mount Cameroon this April for its landmark 10th anniversary edition. Running April 20–25, 2026, at the Buea Mountain Hotel
Y. Marie Kiven
Mar 143 min read
Son of the Soil Reaches No. 1 on Netflix Nigeria Top 10 Chart
British-Chinese Director, Chee Keong Cheung ’s action thriller, Son of the Soil , has attained the top spot on the Netflix Nigeria Top 10 Chart less than 24 hours after release. This follows the film’s arrival on the streaming giant, after impressive showings at the 2025 African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) and Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) and the 2026 Pan-Afriican Film Festival . The film follows Zion Ladejo ( Razaq Adoti ), an ex Nigerian soldie
John Eriomala
Mar 31 min read
Apps
Giveaways
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
2 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
2 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
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
2 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
2 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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