The 2026 African Film Festival at Washington University will celebrate its 19th year March 27-29, 2026 – offering the latest and best of African Cinema to the Saint Louis region. We are excited to reconnect with you in person.
Each year, the Department in African & African American Studies, Film & Media Studies and the African Students Association partner to present the African Film Festival to the Washington University and larger Saint Louis communities. The festival showcases films, less than two years old, that have fared well at international festivals.
Chosen films showcase the landscape and diversity on the African continent while presenting very human glimpses into social realities that are compelling and cause further desire for exploration. In each iteration of the festival, there is an attempt to showcase films of different genres as well as to represent a diversity of cultures and countries. An effort is made each year to bring filmmakers, film historians, and other African studies scholars to lead post-show discussions about the films.
The event is free and open to the public.