AFRIFF 2025 Opening Night Recap: A Dazzling Start to a Historic Festival Week
- Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution
- Nov 4
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) ushered in its 2025 edition with glamour, brilliance and bold new energy as industry leaders gathered on Sunday, November 2, at Cube 65, Victoria Island, Lagos. The Opening Night delivered an unforgettable celebration of African creativity, drawing filmmakers, dignitaries, investors, cultural influencers, and global visionaries into one vibrant space.
Our Co-Founder and CEO, Anita Edwards, and Co-Founder and Director, Lillian Amah-Aluko, we present, and joined fellow industry stakeholders in marking the beginning of what promises to be AFRIFF’s most ambitious edition yet. Their presence underscored our commitment to championing African films and deepening our engagement with the wider creative ecosystem.
"I had an exhilarating experience... The festival’s theme, Rhythms of the Continent: The Afrobeats Film Movement, resonates deeply with me, and I am eager to dive into everything it offers," Lillian Amah-Aluko, Co-Founder and Director of Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution
Among the distinguished guests was David Oyelowo, the acclaimed British-Nigerian actor, director, and producer whose career continues to bridge Hollywood and Nollywood. Celebrated for his transformative performances in Selma—where he portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—The Butler, Queen of Katwe, and The Water Man, Oyelowo remains a passionate advocate for global visibility and authentic representation of African stories. His attendance added an inspiring dimension to the night’s festivities.
The festival’s Opening Night film, 3 Cold Dishes, directed by Oluseyi Asurf and produced by music icon Burna Boy, was a major highlight. The screening attracted industry elites eager to experience the highly anticipated film and celebrate its impact. The excitement in the room was palpable as guests settled in for a film that has already generated strong national and international buzz.
Reflecting on the evening, Lillian Amah-Aluko, Co-Founder and Director of Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution, shared her excitement about the event, describing the Opening Night as “an exhilarating experience.” She noted that this year’s festival theme, “Rhythms of the Continent: The Afrobeats Film Movement,” resonates deeply with her and has heightened her anticipation for the week ahead. Lillian also expressed her admiration for the introduction of The Herbert Wigwe Awards, established to honour the legacy of the late visionary banker whose unwavering support of the arts and dedication to AFRIFF left a lasting impact. She added that the awards served as a powerful reminder of the festival’s mission to celebrate creativity, culture, and those who champion African storytelling.
Beyond the celebration, AFRIFF 2025 is carving out new history. This year marks the introduction of the AFRIFF Film & Content Market (AFCM)—Nigeria’s first dedicated marketplace for film, TV, and digital content. AFCM offers an important platform for filmmakers, studios, distributors, and investors to buy, sell, pitch, and co-produce projects with partners across Africa and the world. Its launch represents a major milestone for Nigeria’s film industry and strengthens Lagos’ position as a hub for cinematic and content-driven innovation.
This year’s Official Selection features an impressive lineup of films, including Untamable (Cameroon / France), The Fisherman (Ghana), Aljana (Nigeria), and The Answer to Forever (China). In addition, audiences will enjoy short films, student shorts, animations, and documentaries from over a dozen countries, reinforcing AFRIFF’s dedication to storytelling diversity and talent development.
The Opening Night at Cube 65 was more than a glamorous gathering. It signaled the start of a week that will shape the future of film on the continent. We are proud to have witnessed the Opening Night and the launch of yet another historic festival.
See exclusive pictures below:
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About Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Limited:
Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution is a mainstream entertainment company focused on the distribution and marketing of local and international filmed content. Our expansive theatrical distribution network includes over 120 cinemas across 12 countries in West Africa. Additionally, our distribution capabilities extend to streaming platforms, airlines and linear television networks within and outside Africa. We are a premium content distribution company that bridges the gap between content creators and target audiences within and outside Nigeria, by providing unique and innovative marketing and distribution solutions that help maximize revenues at the box office and everywhere else.
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