TAFF 2018 WAS A GREAT SUCCESS

Third edition of The African Film Festival ended with filmmakers excitement and community pride. Approximately seventy African film practitioners attended the festival - far more than the previous years as we anticipate even more participation next year. TAFF continues to grow. From opening with Storytelling to screening over 50 films to symposium on African cinema to filmmakers fun football to the grand finale, awards gala and after-party; the 5-day festival kept participants and the community thrilled with high anticipation for the next event. We thank all the filmmakers that traveled from various parts of the world. It is because of you that the festival was a great success.

Congratulations to all the nominees and Winners. Selected films were so great that decisions became very tough for our judges to make. There were a total of 99 nominations and 20 winners, attesting to the quality of the films that we received. Any single film could have swept all of the award categories. We once again, appreciate these films that have gone on to gain broader recognition, showing the great talent of African filmmakers, Telling Our Stories.

You may please find the comprehensive list of nominees and winners by clicking here. The truth is that all participating filmmakers are Winners!!

David Buakei Vandy (Sierra Leone) and Yvonne Cherrie Monalisa (Tanzania) did a great job hosting the festival this year. We appreciate their professionalism in running the program timely while engaging the audience with humor. Monalisa was not shy about speaking Swahili, a much appreciated touch in an African cultural event. David showed why he is a veteran media personnel with Voice of America. Both hosts showed class.

Our special thanks also go out to the City of Dallas Cultural Affairs for supporting The African Film Festival, and helping us establish a landmark in the city, members of the media to include Texas Film Commission, Dallas Film Commission, WorldRemit, KlikTV, Vomoz, and KERA; our contributors, vendors, correspondents and volunteers that were invaluable throughout the festival; our special guests that traveled in on a holiday to support us. We encourage you all to continue to support us by reaching out to your various communities and help us raise awareness of the platform so we can continue to grow and get better. Special thanks to Ethiopian Airlines; Southern Methodist University (SMU); and the Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, for specially recognizing our event.

TAFF welcomes sponsors. An effort such as this is not without strong collaborators and supporters who share our vision. Please contact us if you would like to be a sponsor. TAFF welcomes volunteers. Volunteers are a vital part of The Festival and volunteering comes with many privileges, including ALL ACCESS PASS to all our events. Volunteers have opportunities to help shape the event, making it a memorable experience for our filmmakers and attendees. In exchange for your time, you are given the opportunity to attend ALL Festival events, including After Parties and Behind the Scene activities.

Stay connected with us to learn about film submissions beginning October 1st for 2019 festival year. We have set the ball rolling on next year’s festival. To stay up to date on our latest events, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @theafricanfilmfestival; and on Twitter @TAFFOfficial.