The African Film Festival Atlanta (AFFATL) returns for its highly anticipated 4th edition, set to take place from March 13 to 17, 2025, under the theme: “African Voices, Global Stage: The Nollywood Influence.” The five-day event will showcase the remarkable impact of Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, on global cinema while also highlighting African storytelling from across the continent and the diaspora.
Festival Highlights
The festival kicks off with a powerful lineup of films, documentaries, and events that reflect Africa’s diverse cultural tapestry.
Opening Night Film: “Mojisola”
The festival will open with “Mojisola”, a captivating drama directed by award-winning Nollywood filmmaker Kenneth Gyang and starring Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha. The film explores themes of identity, love, and resilience through the story of a young woman navigating a rapidly modernizing Nigeria.
Centerpiece Feature: “The Man Died”
A major highlight of the festival will be the screening of “The Man Died”, a powerful adaptation of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s memoir. Starring celebrated actor Wale Ojo as Soyinka, the film depicts the writer’s unyielding fight for truth and freedom under a brutal military regime.
Closing Night Film: “Ebrohimie Road: A Museum of Memory”
The festival will close with “Ebrohimie Road: A Museum of Memory”, a poignant documentary that explores the cultural and intellectual impact of Wole Soyinka’s former residence at the University of Ibadan. The film captures the personal and historical significance of the bungalow where Soyinka wrote some of his most influential works.
Notable Screenings
In addition to its flagship films, the festival will feature several other compelling screenings, including:
- “Makula” – A Ugandan drama exploring the unexpected challenges of marriage.
- “This Unexpected Love” – A cross-cultural romance intertwining Haitian and Nigerian traditions through the experiences of international students.
- “Le cinéma de Marie-Josèphe” – A documentary honoring the life and legacy of Marie-Josèphe Yoyotte, a three-time César-winning film editor from Martinique.
- “Price of Hope” – An emotional documentary that sheds light on young Kenyan girls escaping FGM and child marriage.
- “Ichi: Marks in Time” – A cultural deep-dive into the fading practice of scarification among Igbo-speaking Nigerians.
Venues and Ticket Information
The festival will take place at two key locations in Atlanta:
- March 13-14: Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture & History. Screenings are free and open to the public.
- March 15-17: Cinefest Film Theatre at Georgia State University. Tickets for these screenings range from $15 to $20 and can be purchased online.
For a detailed schedule and ticket information, visit the official AFFATL website.
Celebrating African Cinema
The 4th edition of the African Film Festival Atlanta promises to be a vibrant celebration of African cinema, bringing together audiences from diverse backgrounds to experience the storytelling power of the continent. With a special focus on Nollywood’s global influence, the festival aims to amplify African voices and connect them to a worldwide stage.
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