The organisers of Aswad Film Festival (AFF) have announced that the maiden edition will be held between January 24 and 26, 2025 in Dubai.
The three-day event is designed to celebrate black American, European, and African cinema and spotlight the growth of the film industries on a global platform through four pillars.
The key pillars of the festival include creative and commercial sustainability, cross-continent and global connectedness, reasserting African control of their own stories in the new anti-DEI world, and the celebration of black excellence.
The festival lineup includes screenings of 12 feature films, industry roundtables, panels, workshops, and networking events.
Attendees will also be treated to live music performances, a glamorous red carpet-event, and a gala dinner, culminating in an exclusive yacht excursion.
Chukwuma Jason Njoku, the chairperson of AFF, said the event is aimed to amplify the growth and “voices of black cinemas”.
He further said the festival will enhance global collaboration in the “black” film industry.
“Aswad is not just a film festival; it’s a celebration of our stories and our culture. We aim to create a platform that amplifies Black voices in cinema while fostering connections within the industry,” he said.
“The Black American, European, and African film industries are experiencing unprecedented growth, and it’s time we had a world-class festival to showcase our talents.
“With Aswad, we’re creating a space where filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinema lovers can come together to celebrate and elevate black voices in storytelling.
“We’re not just showcasing films; we’re building bridges and opening doors for collaboration on a global scale.
“As we embark on this journey with Aswad, we are not only celebrating black voices but also paving the way for future generations of storytellers.
“This is more than just a festival; it’s a movement that invites everyone to be part of something truly special.”
Tickets for the festival are available in two categories — the silver and exclusive diamond pass.
The silver pass costs $135 and gives access to all screenings and celebrity meet-and-greets.
While the exclusive diamond costs $1,368, it offers backstage access with invitations to the gala dinner and yacht party.
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