In the heart of Ethiopia’s capital, something extraordinary unfolded last week.No, not on the world stage. Not in the glitzy spotlight of Cannes or Toronto.It happened quietly, yet boldly, at the 19th edition of the Addis International Film Festival (AIFF), which ran from May 21 to May 25, 2025, in the cultural sanctuaries of Addis Ababa: Alliance Ethio-Française, Goethe-Institute, Italian Cultural Institute, and Hager Fikir Theatre.And yet, despite its growing acclaim – having recently been voted “The Coolest Film Festival in Africa” – by Movie Makers Magazine, AIFF remains an unsung hero on the global cinematic map.

A Festival That Speaks TruthBorn from the vision of Initiative Africa, AIFF has long stood apart from the noise of Hollywood glamour. It is not a festival of red carpets and celebrity selfies. It is a festival of resistance. Of memory. Of identity. Of voices that refuse to be silenced.This year, it showcased 28 daring films from 34 countries, each one a spark in the dark stories that challenge power, question borders, and give voice to the unheard.From the haunting landscapes of Nebsei to the fiery defiance of Fanon , from the raw realism of Chemin de Terre to the hopeful whispers of Promise of a New Dawn , AIFF once again proved that Africa doesn’t just watch cinema, it shapes it .And let’s not forget the unforgettable premiere of Made in Ethiopia , where director Max Duncan, co-director Xinyan Yu, and producer Tamara Dawit appeared alongside the film’s cast for the very first time – a moment that brought tears, laughter, and thunderous applause.

The Magic of Hager FikirThe Hager Fiker Theater opening night was electric, a reminder that true storytelling needs no stadium lights. Just a screen, a crowd, and hearts ready to feel.As the audience watched Dominica Sera and Made in Ethiopia at the Italian Cultural Institute, where the AIFF itself was launched 19 years ago, they weren’t just watching films, they were witnessing history. They were seeing their lives, their struggles, their dreams reflected back at them with unflinching honesty.When the cast of Made in Ethiopia took the stage, the room fell silent — then erupted into conversation. Questions flew like arrows:What does dignity cost a worker in a factory?Who owns the story of development?How do we tell our truths when the world insists on telling them for us?That is the magic of AIFF: it doesn’t just show films. It ignites movements.Why Can’t AIFF Be a Continental Event?Despite its growing influence, AIFF still flies under the radar.

A hidden treasure buried beneath the dust of Addis Ababa’s bustling streets. But what if we dared to dream bigger? What if AIFF stepped out of the shadows and into the light, not just as a local festival, but as Africa’s most powerful cinematic gathering ?Let’s ask the real question:Why isn’t the Addis International Film Festival already a continental event? Because it should be.Here’s why.Benefits of Elevating AIFF to a Continental LevelA Platform for African StorytellingAfrica is rich with untold stories, stories of resilience, love, loss, revolution, and rebirth. Elevating AIFF would offer a centralized, prestigious space for African filmmakers to showcase their work without needing Western validation.Amplify Marginalized VoicesAIFF has always championed human rights, social justice, and political courage.

As a continental event, it could become the go-to platform for marginalized storytellers, from refugee camps to war-torn villages — giving them the mic, the screen, and the spotlight.Boost Ethiopia’s Soft PowerEthiopia, often seen through the lens of conflict and crisis, deserves to be celebrated for its rich culture, creative energy, and intellectual vibrancy . Hosting a major film festival can shift narratives and build soft diplomacy through art.Attract Pan-African Talent and InvestmentImagine filmmakers from Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and beyond descending on Addis every year, bringing investment, collaboration, and cross-cultural exchange that transcends borders.Stimulate Local EconomyA continental film festival would draw international audiences, journalists, critics, and investors, boosting tourism, hospitality, and cultural entrepreneurship across Addis Ababa.Create a Space for Dialogue and UnityIn a time when Africa is more connected than ever, yet still deeply divided by language, region, and politics, AIFF could serve as a cultural bridge , fostering dialogue, understanding, and unity among Africans.Showcase Ethiopia’s Creative RenaissanceBehind closed doors, Ethiopia is undergoing a quiet revolution, young filmmakers, poets, artists, and thinkers are reshaping the national narrative.

Elevating AIFF would shine a global light on this creative awakening .The Future Is CallingAt the opening, the Festival Creator and Director, Kebour Ghenna indicated that Addis International Film Festival Director is more than just a festival.It is a movement.A mirror.A manifesto.It is proof that cinema can be political, personal, poetic,,, and profoundly African.So why shouldn’t it be the place where Africa’s boldest voices come together – not just to be seen, but to be heard?Let’s stop calling it a hidden gem.Let’s make it a beacon.Let’s turn AIFF into Africa’s most vital cinematic heartbeat.Let’s bring the continent to Addis, and let the world see what it’s been missing.