Chioma Ude Celebrates African Women in Cinema at the AFRIFF 15 Dinner
Festival founder Chioma Ude hosted an exclusive dinner in Lagos to honour women filmmakers during the 15th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF). The evening put women in the spotlight as the festival continued to celebrate the people shaping the continent's film industry, recognising creativity and contributions that continue to influence African cinema.
The gathering was an opportunity to recognise the women behind some of Africa's most compelling stories. It also provided a relaxed setting for industry professionals to connect, exchange ideas and celebrate their achievements away from the usual film screenings and formal festival activities.
The dinner formed part of AFRIFF's 15th-anniversary celebrations, which brought together filmmakers, actors, producers, distributors, and other creative professionals from across Africa and beyond.
Celebrating the African Women Shaping Cinema
Women have played an important role in the growth of African cinema. From directing and producing films to acting, writing screenplays and managing production companies, their contributions have helped shape the industry's identity and international appeal.
Chioma Ude's decision to dedicate a special dinner to women in film reflected this growing influence. The event recognised the talent, determination and creative leadership of women who continue to push the boundaries of African storytelling.
For many years, women in the film industry have had to navigate challenges involving access to funding, production resources, industry networks and opportunities for international distribution. Despite these obstacles, female filmmakers have continued to produce stories that explore African identity, culture, relationships, social challenges and personal experiences.
The dinner provided an opportunity to acknowledge their work and the progress they have made. It also reinforced the importance of creating spaces where women in the industry can build professional relationships and support one another.
Chioma Ude's Contribution to African Film
As the executive director and founder of AFRIFF, Chioma Ude has spent more than 15 years building a platform for African filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with international audiences.
Founded in Lagos in 2010, the festival was established to address the limited opportunities available to African filmmakers seeking wider recognition and access to the global film industry.
Over the years, AFRIFF has grown into an important meeting point for filmmakers, actors, producers, investors, distributors, and other creative professionals. Its activities extend beyond film screenings to include training programmes, masterclasses, industry discussions and networking opportunities.
Ude's commitment to promoting African storytelling has remained central to the festival's growth. Her work has also received international recognition.
On November 3, 2026, she received the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Leadership Award from Power WalkHer Global during AFRIFF's 15th edition. The award recognised her contributions to African cinema and the development of the continent's creative industry.
Her decision to celebrate women filmmakers at the anniversary dinner further reflected her interest in recognising the people contributing to the industry's development.
AFRIFF 15: A Celebration of Women and Technology
The dinner also reflected the broader direction of AFRIFF's 15th edition, which took place from November 1 to 7, 2026, under the theme Frames of the Future: Africa's Creative Intelligence.
This year's festival explored how technology, artificial intelligence and changing business models are influencing filmmaking and content distribution.
However, one of the most interesting developments was the strong presence of women in the festival's film selection.
According to Chioma Ude, approximately 85 per cent of the selected films were either directed by women, produced by women or centred on women's stories. The outcome was particularly significant because it emerged from the film selection process rather than a predetermined gender target.
Speaking ahead of the festival, Ude observed that while discussions about the future of cinema often focus on artificial intelligence and technology, women are equally important to the industry's future.
This observation gave the anniversary edition a distinct identity. It highlighted the growing influence of female filmmakers and the importance of giving their stories greater visibility.
The festival featured 135 films, including 23 feature films, alongside industry activities designed to connect African creatives with international opportunities.
An Evening of Food, Fashion, and Conversation
Beyond the recognition of women in film, the dinner was an opportunity for guests to enjoy an evening of food, fashion and meaningful conversations.
Chef Tolu Eros curated a special multi-course dining experience for the gathering. The menu brought flavours of West Africa into a dining set, adding a culinary dimension to the celebration.
The dining experience complemented the atmosphere of the evening. Guests had the opportunity to enjoy carefully prepared dishes while reconnecting with colleagues and meeting other professionals working across different areas of African cinema.
Fashion also contributed to the occasion, with attendees bringing their individual styles to the gathering.
However, the evening went beyond appearances. Its central purpose was to recognise the women whose creative work, professional experience and leadership continue to influence the direction of African filmmaking.
Events like this provide an opportunity for conversations that may not always happen during formal industry sessions. They allow established professionals and emerging creatives to interact in a more relaxed environment.
For an industry that depends heavily on collaboration, such connections can be valuable.
Why Recognition Matters for Women in Film
Celebrating African women in cinema is important because visibility can influence opportunities.
Film production requires collaboration among writers, directors, actors, producers, cinematographers, editors, and distributors. Women contribute across these areas, yet access to the resources and networks needed to develop successful projects can remain uneven.
Recognition helps bring their work to a wider audience. It can also encourage investors, production companies and international distributors to pay greater attention to female-led projects.
More importantly, celebrating established women in the industry provides examples for younger creatives who are considering careers in filmmaking.
African cinema needs more opportunities for women to tell their stories, direct ambitious projects and participate in important business decisions. It also needs the following:
- stronger professional networks
- accessible training
- sustainable funding arrangements
AFRIFF has sought to address some of these needs through its broader festival activities, including the AFRIFF Academy and its industry engagement programmes.
Its Africa Film and Content Market also creates chances for filmmakers to meet international buyers, distributors, and investors. These connections are important because producing a film is only one part of the process. Getting that film to audiences and generating revenue from it are equally important.
A Meaningful Moment in AFRIFF's 15-Year Journey
AFRIFF's 15th anniversary was more than a celebration of the festival's history. It was also an opportunity to consider the direction of African cinema and the people who will shape its future.
From its establishment in 2010, the festival has worked to connect African filmmakers with wider audiences and international industry opportunities. Its growth reflects the increasing interest in African stories and the creative talent available across the continent.
Chioma Ude's dinner celebrating women in cinema across Africa added another meaningful dimension to this milestone.
By bringing female filmmakers together, the gathering recognised the importance of their contributions while creating room for further professional connections.
African cinema has many stories waiting to be told. Women are an essential part of that conversation.
As the industry continues to expand and embrace new technologies, the creativity, experience, and leadership of women will remain important to its development. AFRIFF's 15th-anniversary celebration offered a timely reminder that the future of African filmmaking must include the voices and achievements of the women helping to build it.
