African Women Arts & Film Festival (AWAFFEST) is a platform to appreciate arts and stories of African women; to celebrate female film practitioners; and to empower aspiring artists. AWAFFEST is held in March to celebrate the International Women’s Month.

Awards & Prizes

Best Narrative Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short
Best Animated Feature
Best Animated Short
Best Director
Best Producer
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actress
Best Cinematographer
Best Poet
Best Performing Artist
Best Makeup Artist
Best Fashion Designer
Best Script Writer
Best Emerging Filmmaker

Rules & Terms

Film should be submitted by a woman with 750 x 500 poster and 60 seconds trailer.

Film should be either Directed, Produced, Written, Edited, or Shot by a Woman.

Film can be made by non-African women but the story should be about Africa or African Women.

Artwork, fashion designs, poetry, and any form of art should be originated or made by a Woman. Videos, photos, and descriptions or synopsis of these arts may be uploaded as submission.

All entries must be received by the deadline.

All photos and trailers provided by "submitter" may be used for any festival promotions.

All entrants certify that they have been given full rights to use any and all music in their films.

If we are notified about any copyright infringement about your work, we will automatically disqualify your film and remove it from our platform.

Only selected films can participate in online screening on ROOTFLIX. You may opt out from screening your film virtually when you receive official selection letter.

Jury Award winners will be selected by a panel of active film industry professionals. All films go through a screening process and are reviewed by at least two members of the selection committee.

Winners agree to participate in the publicity for the Festival as well as other promotional events, including the website.
9 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Joyce Grey-Carter

    I was happy to have submitted to the festival and to have my work selected for the festival in Zambia. However, I received no feedback on the outcome of the festival and how my film was received. When and If I do, I will update this review.

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Joyce, we enjoyed your film and it was well received like others. We tried our best to communicate through social media for the benefit of those that could not travel to Zambia. It is not only a challenge to engage each filmmaker absent from the festival; it would also discourage many from attending subsequent editions if they can stay at home and get every detail. You would have been notified if your film won an award. We hope to see you in the future edition.

  • Sybil Jatta

    Thank you team, African Women Arts and Film Festival, for selecting our documentart feature film "AKWAABA The Awakening" to your film festival during this season of life! We are just humbled by God's hands upon our project. All the best to your team, and your sacrifice to allow our dreams to flourish as upcoming major filmmakers.

    I learned so much through our panel discussion groups. I am an artist for life.

    Peace, blessings, prosperity and continued good health.

    Sybil D. Jatta
    Filmmaker
    Documentarian

    April 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Sybil. Congratulations on your feature film, "Akwaaba The Awakening." We enjoyed screening your film and your participation. We look forward to your next projects.

  • SEAMAN CAROLYN

    It was an awesome festival. Will recommend it again and again. Great work!

    April 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Carolyn. We enjoyed your participation and great work. We look forward to seeing you in future editions.

  • Rob Feakins

    First the communication from this festival was excellent and considered. I also enjoyed how they showed the films on line. And finally I really enjoyed the filmmaker Q&A forum.

    April 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Hello, Rob! We really enjoyed your film and we appreciate your participation and sharing your experience in the filmmakers forum. We look forward to your future projects. Thank you!!

  • Reham Emam

    Glad & honored to participate in such wonderful festival. The communication is excellent and the team is very friendly. Looking forward to participate with my next film.

    July 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for participating and for making such awesome film. We look forward to your next project.