The African Film Press (AFP), a pan-African alliance of independent film platforms, has unveiled the AFP Critics Prize, a new award designed to spotlight African critical voices and enrich the continent’s festival culture.
Debut Set for Surreal16 Film Festival in Lagos
Inspired by the globally respected FIPRESCI Prize, the AFP Critics Prize will make its debut at the Surreal16 Film Festival (S16) this December in Lagos, Nigeria. The inaugural winner will be selected by AFP’s founding editors:
- Tambay Obenson (Akoroko)
- Jennifer Ochieng (Sinema Focus)
- Ikeade Oriade (What Kept Me Up)
Future editions will expand to include a wider pool of African and diaspora critics.
“We see the AFP Critics Prize as an important step in centering African critical voices in festival culture, while also creating visibility and recognition for filmmakers on the continent,” said Tambay Obenson, AFP co-founder.
Award Package and Pan-African Vision
The prize includes a cash award, trophy, and certificate, reinforcing AFP’s commitment to celebrating excellence in African filmmaking. Founded in 2024, AFP brings together three leading platforms:
- Akoroko (pan-African/global)
- Sinema Focus (Kenya/East Africa)
- What Kept Me Up (Nigeria/West Africa)
A Southern Africa partner is expected to join in September. The initiative is backed by GIZ and private investors.
Surreal16 Partnership Anchors First Edition
“From the beginning, our festival has been about creating space for risk-taking and originality,” said CJ Obasi, filmmaker and co-founder of Surreal16. “Partnering with African Film Press ensures African critics are part of shaping that conversation.”
AFP plans to present the Critics Prize at four African festivals annually, beginning with Surreal16. Founded by Nigerian filmmakers CJ “Fiery” Obasi, Abba Makama, and Michael Omonua, the Lagos-based festival is known for its bold curatorial identity and support from partners, including:
- French Embassy
- Dutch Embassy
- Goethe-Institut
- Sterling Bank
Obasi’s film Mami Wata won the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Cinematography at Sundance 2023, further cementing Surreal16’s reputation as a launchpad for visionary African cinema.
Building a Network of African Film Critics
AFP is actively building a continent-wide network of film journalists and critics dedicated to producing journalism, analysis, and research on Africa’s screen industries. The Critics Prize marks a new chapter in fostering deeper engagement and recognition for African filmmakers.
