Nigeria AI Film Festival Returns in 2026 to Deepen Conversations on AI and Storytelling

The Nigeria AI Film Festival (NAIFF) is set to return this September at Alliance Française Lagos, bringing together filmmakers, technologists, digital creators, and industry stakeholders to explore the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and storytelling across Africa. Following a successful debut edition, the festival has quickly emerged as a leading platform for conversations around the future of filmmaking, providing a space where creativity, technology, and innovation intersect. Founded by Obinna Okerekeocha, NAIFF has become a gathering point for creatives interested in understanding how artificial intelligence is reshaping film production, content creation, and narrative development within Nigeria and beyond. Building on a Strong Debut The inaugural edition of the festival recorded more than 400 submissions and featured a diverse programme that included curated film screenings, industry panel discussions, and the AI Academy, an initiative designed to equip filmmakers and creatives with practical skills for AI-assisted production. Reflecting on the impact of the first edition, Director of Communications and panel host, Chidera Okonji, popularly known as Odera Collins, described the experience as transformative. He called the festival “a necessary disruption,” noting that it challenged conventional approaches to storytelling while opening new avenues for creative expression. Many participants echoed similar sentiments, describing the event as immersive, enlightening, and highly educational. For several attendees, it represented their first hands-on exposure to the practical ways artificial intelligence is already influencing filmmaking in Nollywood and across the African creative landscape. Greater Focus on Ethics and Experimentation Building on the momentum of its debut, the 2026 edition is expected to place greater emphasis on experimentation, collaboration, and critical discussions surrounding the responsible use of artificial intelligence in film production. Organisers say the objective is not simply to showcase emerging technologies but to encourage meaningful dialogue on how AI can be used to enhance storytelling while preserving the human creativity at the heart of filmmaking. The festival aims to create an environment where filmmakers can test new ideas, collaborate across disciplines, and gain practical knowledge that supports sustainable innovation within the industry. What to Expect at NAIFF 2026 This year's edition will feature a range of activities designed to engage both creative and technology communities, including: Screenings of selected AI-driven films Industry panels and expert conversations Hands-on workshops and training sessions Networking opportunities for filmmakers, innovators, and technology professionals By bringing together diverse voices from across the creative ecosystem, NAIFF continues to position Nigeria as an important contributor to global conversations about the future of cinema and emerging technologies. Call for Entries Open Until July 31 Submissions for the 2026 festival opened on May 1 and will remain open until July 31. Filmmakers, artists, animators, digital creators, and experimental storytellers are encouraged to submit projects that explore innovative ways of using artificial intelligence in storytelling and film production. Speaking on this year's call for entries, Director of Programs, Chisom Ifeakandu, emphasised the importance of ensuring African voices remain central to discussions about the future of AI and creativity. “We want to see films that use AI not as a gimmick, but as a real tool in service of stories that matter,” she said. “Show us something we’ve never seen before, make it feel true, and make it unmistakably yours.” Shaping the Future of African Cinema As artificial intelligence continues to influence creative industries worldwide, NAIFF remains committed to fostering a space where innovation can thrive alongside artistic integrity. Organisers believe the festival's role extends beyond showcasing technology; it is also about building a sustainable ecosystem where African filmmakers can experiment with new tools while retaining ownership of their stories and creative identities. The festival continues to champion a vision of filmmaking where technology serves as a creative partner rather than a replacement for human imagination, helping to shape the next chapter of African cinema in a rapidly evolving digital age. The Naija Artificial Intelligence Film Festival (NAIFF) is a growing platform dedicated to filmmakers and creators using artificial intelligence to develop new forms of cinematic storytelling. Through screenings, education, collaboration, and innovation, the festival brings together creatives, technologists, and industry leaders to explore the future of film in Africa and beyond.