Afrika Film Festival Köln

In the page's words:

Celebrating African Cinema since 1992!

Awarded as Europe's Best African Film Festival

www.afrikafilmfestivalkoeln.de

Save the date!

22nd Africa Film Festival Cologne

From September 18 to 28, 2025, the Africa Film Festival Cologne (AFFK) will celebrate its 22nd edition with around 80 historical and contemporary feature films, documentaries and short films from 23 African countries and the global diaspora. More than 30 filmmakers, producers and guests will travel to Cologne for an exchange at eye level. The main program will be rounded off by a lively accompanying program of live music, panel talks, workshops and networking events.

Dear festival guests, dear friends of African cinema,
We are delighted to welcome you to the 22nd Africa Film Festival! Once again this year, we invite you on a cinematic journey through the diverse realities, perspectives and stories of the African continent and its diaspora. Africa's cinematic art is lively, political, poetic and surprising. It breaks down stereotypes, opens up new perspectives and tells stories that are often neglected in the global film landscape. With around 80 films from over 20 countries, the festival offers a stage for courageous directors, strong voices and extraordinary works - from feature films and documentaries to short films and debates. In addition to the film program, we invite you to exciting panel discussions, workshops, live music and encounters that create space for exchange, reflection and shared experience.

In a time characterized by global crises, social tensions and economic uncertainties, a festival like this is anything but a matter of course. The cultural landscape is under pressure - and independent, international film festivals in particular are increasingly facing financial challenges. In recent months, we too have had to worry about funding, cut budgets and find creative solutions in order to be able to realize the festival in the usual quality. We are therefore all the more pleased to be able to present you with such a rich and diverse program.

We would therefore like to thank everyone who believes in this festival and supports it: the filmmakers who entrust us with their films, our long-standing partners, supporters, volunteers - and of course you, our loyal audience. Your curiosity, your interest and your openness are crucial to this festival. Once again this year, our special thanks go to our main curators Jacqueline Nsiah (Ghana), Fradique (Germany/Angola) and Amil Shivji (Tanzania). With their expertise, their passion for African cinema and their keen sense of social and artistic relevance, they have put together a program that is as polyphonic as it is powerful. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their great work, their commitment and their contribution to the depth of this year's festival.