[Atlanta, GA] (October 06, 2026) – The African Film Festival Atlanta (AFFATL), produced by the African Film & Arts Foundation Inc. (AFAF), is now accepting film submissions for its sixth edition, scheduled for October 21–25, 2027, in Atlanta, Georgia. The sixth edition with the theme “ Pathway to Distribution” – expands opportunities for African and Diaspora filmmakers through screenings, industry exposure, and potential distribution pathways.

AFFATL invites filmmakers from Africa, the African Diaspora, and around the world to submit compelling films that reflect the richness, complexity, and brilliance of African and Diasporic experiences. The 2027 Festival will offer a hybrid experience, combining theatrical screenings and events in Atlanta with an optional virtual component offered only with filmmakers’ consent.

Founded in 2020, AFFATL is Georgia’s first homegrown African film festival and one of the few cultural platforms in the southeastern United States dedicated exclusively to films by and about people of African descent. Through screenings, conversations, workshops, and networking opportunities, the Festival amplifies authentic African and Diaspora voices while connecting filmmakers with audiences and industry professionals.

“African cinema is a direct reflection of our lived experiences, our history, and our future. This season, our filmmakers are demonstrating how African storytellers are shaping global culture on their own terms. AFFATL exists to give these bold works the platform and audience they deserve, and we are proud to carry this momentum into every edition.” – Efe Adehor, Programming Manager of the African Film Festival Atlanta (AFFATL) states.

For the 2027 edition, AFFATL is strengthening its commitment to creating commercial opportunities for filmmakers. Through a partnership with U.S. independent studio and distributor Buffalo 8, select festival entries and category winners will be introduced to its acquisition team for potential distribution, licensing, and streaming-placement consideration.

Submission categories include:

• Best Narrative Feature
• Best Documentary Feature
• Best Narrative Short
• Best Documentary Short
• Best Animated Short
• Best Student Film
• Best African Film
• Best Nollywood Film
• Women in Film Award

The Narrative Short, Documentary Short, and Animated Short categories form AFFATL’s dedicated In Competition Shorts Program. Eligible films must comply with the applicable runtime and submission requirements. Films containing non-English dialogue must include English subtitles, and submitted films must have been completed after January 1, 2025.

Selected filmmakers will receive an official AFFATL selection and screening opportunity, an official festival laurel, dedicated press and social-media exposure, and access to AFFATL’s growing network of industry and distribution partners.

Key Dates

• Submissions opened: August 17, 2026
• Early-bird deadline: November 24, 2026
• Regular deadline: March 15, 2027
• Late deadline: June 30, 2027
• Extended deadline: July 20, 2027
• Notification date: August 24, 2027
• Festival dates:  In-person October 21–25, 2027 | Virtual October 28–31, 2027

Filmmakers can review the complete eligibility requirements, category guidelines, fees, and terms and submit their films through FilmFreeway:

About the African Film Festival Atlanta:

The African Film Festival Atlanta is the flagship annual event of the African Film & Arts Foundation Inc. Launched in 2020, AFFATL celebrates films by and about Africans and people of African descent. Based in Atlanta—an international center for Black culture, film production, and creative enterprise—the Festival uses cinema to challenge stereotypes, foster cultural exchange, and amplify the diversity of African and Diaspora experiences.

About the African Film & Arts Foundation Inc.

The African Film & Arts Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit media arts organization based in Atlanta, Georgia. Its mission is to magnify and celebrate the visions, voices, lives, and stories of people from Africa and the African Diaspora through film, culture, and the arts. Through cultural programming, educational initiatives, and strategic partnerships, AFAF supports emerging and established creatives while fostering meaningful cross-cultural dialogue.

African Film Festival Atlanta
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