The All African Independent Film Festival (AAIFF Africa) wrapped up its second edition in Kigali on October 12, 2025, after three days of celebrating diverse, thought-provoking African cinema. Held at the Francophonie Cultural Centre of Rwanda from October 10 to 12, the festival showcased 23 films from 21 countries, awarding the best in eight competition categories across 16 honors.
This year’s program spotlighted seven women directors among its talented roster, underscoring the festival’s commitment to amplifying female voices in African filmmaking. Screenings were accompanied by interactive Q&A sessions with select directors, giving audiences an intimate look into the creative processes behind the works.
AAIFF Africa maintained its mission of promoting independent films produced outside the influence of major commercial studios, echoing the values of its partner, the ÉCU (European Independent) Film Festival Group.
Standout selections included Benin’s Lettre à ma fille, directed by Michael Maurissens, an experimental work set against coastal and urban landscapes that shares a mother’s heartfelt message to her future daughter about the challenges of womanhood. Ghana’s Love and Jollof, a moving dramatic short by Ramesh Jai, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kieupe, directed by Mélanie K. Zawadi, which delicately navigates themes of peace in conflict zones, also drew critical attention.
The festival closed with a vibrant after-party, marking another successful chapter in its growing legacy as a premier platform for independent African cinema.
