AFRIFF Day 2 Explores the Business of Film and the Rhythm of Afrobeats in Cinema

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) continued its remarkable momentum into Day 2 on Monday, November 3, 2025, lighting up Lagos with an inspiring mix of global cinema, powerful conversations, and cross-cultural collaborations.

Screenings and panels took place simultaneously across Landmark Centre, Twin Waters, Palms Lekki and the AFRIFF Hall, reaffirming AFRIFF’s place as Africa’s leading film and cultural convergence.

At Landmark Lekki, audiences were treated to a compelling lineup of stories that spanned continents and emotions – from Welcome and The Funeral of Kwadae to the critically acclaimed The Good, The Bad & Ugly of Afrobeats.

The day highlighted AFRIFF’s commitment to amplifying African narratives while connecting them to global audiences. Meanwhile, at Film House Cinema, Twin Waters, creativity met diversity with a showcase of short films and feature screenings that included Becoming Sydney, Boy No Fear, House of Aama, and A Beauty Supply in Queens.

Each film explored identity, culture, and the complexities of human experience — themes that resonated deeply with AFRIFF’s 2025 audience.

The energy extended to the Panel sessions at Twin Waters, where dynamic panel discussions brought together industry leaders and visionaries.

Conversations around “The Global South – Navigating Alliances, Financing & Distribution While Disrupting the Status Quo” and “France and Nollywood Co-Production: Building the African Film Market Ecosystem” spotlighted how collaboration, financing, and cross-border partnerships are redefining storytelling across Africa.

The day’s discussions also delved into the fusion of Afrobeats and film, with powerhouses such as Davido, Asa Asika, Dammy Twitch, and Blessing Uzzi exploring how rhythm and visuals continue to shape Africa’s creative economy.

Davido shared his vision for bridging the music and movie industries, while filmmaker Dammy Twitch emphasized storytelling through cinematic visuals, likening music videos to “silent films where the characters can’t talk but must still tell a story.” Another major highlight of the day was the official opening of the AFRIFF Film & Content Market (AFCM), held at Twin Waters. The ceremony marked a pivotal moment for the festival as it formally unveiled a new platform for film financing, co-production, and creative exchange across Africa’s content ecosystem.

The event was graced by the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture and Tourism, Hannatu Musa Musawa, who officially declared the market open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. She was joined by the AFRIFF team, festival founder Chioma Ude, and actors including JKA Achufusi, representing the AFCM community.

The atmosphere was charged with excitement and optimism as filmmakers, distributors, and investors networked, signaling a new chapter for collaboration and growth in Africa’s film and content industry. From business to art, and rhythm to reels, AFRIFF Day 2 was a celebration of Africa’s cultural heartbeat – a testament to how far the continent’s film industry has come and how much further it can go. As AFRIFF continues through the week, film lovers, creators, and cultural enthusiasts can look forward to even more screenings, panel sessions, and networking opportunities designed to showcase the best of African storytelling. About AFRIFF The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is Africa’s premier film and cultural event dedicated to celebrating and promoting African cinema, connecting local talent with global opportunities, and positioning Nigeria as the creative hub of the continent.