11–13 September 2026 · Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff
Programme
Feature films, shorts, animation, documentary and experimental cinema — alongside workshops, talks, live music, market traders and parties.
Day One
Friday 11 September 2026
Opening Event
Festival Opening
Welcome to the Watch Africa Film Festival 2026. Opening remarks introducing the festival, programme and weekend ahead.
Film Screening · Panel · 15
My Father’s Shadow
Two young brothers explore Lagos with their estranged father during the 1993 Nigerian election crisis, witnessing both the city’s magnitude and their father’s daily struggles as political unrest threatens their journey home. With a panel discussion hosted by Reel Futures, joined by co-directors Femi and Emmanuel Bajulaye.
Entertainment
AKWAABA Launch Party
Rooted in Ghanaian culture, Akwaaba means “welcome” and embodies the spirit of hospitality, warmth and belonging. The official launch party welcomes audiences, filmmakers, partners and guests into the festival weekend.
Day Two
Saturday 12 September 2026
Vendor
Mansa Market
Inspired by Mansa Musa’s historic pilgrimage to Mecca and the networks of trade and cultural exchange that connected West Africa with the wider world. Mansa Market celebrates Black-owned businesses, makers and creatives in Wales and beyond.
Film Screening
WAFF Short Films Finalists 2026
A showcase of the 2026 short film finalists, celebrating emerging filmmaking talent from across Africa. Featuring I Think I Should Say Something (PG), Do You Know Who I Am? (12) and Madame Morel (12).
Film Screening · PG
Liyana
Five children in the Kingdom of Eswatini transform their own experiences into the story of Liyana, a brave young girl who embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue her twin brothers. Animation documentary.
Film Screening · 12
Luxor
A British aid worker returns to Luxor and reconnects with a former lover, forcing her to confront unresolved memories, past choices and uncertain futures. African drama.
Workshop · Age 10+
African Storytelling Workshop with Bevin Magama
Through guided exercises, creative prompts and shared experiences, participants explore how stories connect us, preserve culture and inspire change. Open to all backgrounds and experience levels.
Film Screening · 15
Dreamers
As her freedom is threatened inside a UK asylum removal centre, Nigerian migrant Isio finds strength and unexpected love while fighting for her future. With a discussion on African queer representation and fundraising for our selected queer charity.
Workshop · Age 10+
African Dance Workshop with Idrissa Camara
Drawing on West African dance traditions and contemporary performance practices, Idrissa invites participants of all experience levels to connect with live rhythms and discover dance as a form of expression and community.
Film Screening · PG
Best of African Animation 2025
WAFF × Cardiff Animation Festival × CTIAF. A curated programme of award-winning and emerging African animated short films celebrating creativity, storytelling and innovation across the continent.
Discussion
Short Snacks: African Animation Shorts & Discussion
Reflect on and discuss the selection of African shorts screened, while enjoying a select few African snacks.
Film Screening · 15
Omen
Four people accused of witchcraft and sorcery find one another in a surreal, magical Africa, where they attempt to escape the identities forced upon them. African supernatural drama.
WAFF Finalist · PG
WAFF Finalist: Blue Burning
A documentary chronicling South Africa’s grassroots movement opposing offshore oil and gas exploration, documenting one of the country’s largest environmental campaigns. A finalist in the WAFF Documentary category.
Film Screening · 15
Atlantics
In a suburb of Dakar, unpaid construction workers decide to leave the country by ocean for a better future. Among them is Souleiman, the lover of Ada, promised to another. Mati Diop’s Atlantics won the Grand Prix at Cannes.
Day Three
Sunday 13 September 2026
WAFF Finalist · PG
WAFF Finalist: War Child Chose Science
Abducted during Sierra Leone’s civil war as a child, Paul Bangura’s journey through education eventually leads him to rural Finland, where he pursues scientific research while reflecting on migration, resilience and hope.
Film Screening · PG
CCW × UrbanStamp presents: Diaspora in Wales
A showcase of films by Wales-based African diaspora filmmakers exploring migration, identity, belonging, family, music and community — alongside the winners of the CCW × UrbanStamp Film Challenge. Featuring Ghost Conversation, Please Mr Preacher, Unsent Letter, Àjôké, The Pocket and Iesha. Pay What You Can, £2–£5.
Workshop
Body and Face Painting Workshop
With Cheb Arts, a multidisciplinary artist whose practice explores body art as a medium for storytelling, identity and cultural expression. Participants explore how body art communicates heritage and resistance, then create their own designs.
Film Screening · 12
Memory of Princess Mumbi
Set in 2093, a filmmaker travels to document a war that resurrected ancient kingdoms, only to have his ideas challenged by an actress determined to reject artificial intelligence in filmmaking. African sci-fi mockumentary.
Workshop · Age 15+
Unmasking the Mask: A Story of the African People
Join artist Adeola Dewis for an engaging exploration of the stories, symbolism and traditions behind African masks — an interactive session that invites curiosity, conversation and a deeper understanding of this rich art form.
WAFF Finalist · Panel · PG
WAFF Finalist: The Banjo Boys
This documentary follows Malawi’s Madalitso Band, whose handmade instruments and infectious performances have propelled them onto the international stage. Followed by a panel discussion with director Johan Nayar.
Workshop · Age 10+
An Interactive Sound & Story Workshop with Suntou Susso
Following The Banjo Boys, Gambian kora master Suntou Susso leads an immersive workshop. Born into a 700-year-old Griot tradition, he shares the living history of the 22-string kora before an interactive polyrhythm circle.
Film Screening · PG
Best of Africa 2025 — Part 2
WAFF × Cardiff Animation Festival × CTIAF. A second screening of the Best of Africa animation programme, followed by a recorded discussion celebrating African animation and the artists behind the films.
Film Screening · 12
Black Girl
Ousmane Sembène’s landmark classic follows a young Senegalese woman who accepts work with a French family, only to encounter exploitation and racism in post-colonial France. Cannes to Cardiff and Renowned Classics collection.
Awards & Performances
WAFF Awards Ceremony
Celebrating and announcing the winners and finalists of Watch Africa Film Festival 2026. With live performances from Afro dancer Dave Blaque and hip hop artist Great, and DJ Aanonymous spinning Afrobeat tracks throughout the evening.
Venue
Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff
All festival screenings, workshops and events take place at Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Canton, Cardiff. Screenings run in Screen 1 and Screen 2, with workshops in the Cinema Foyer and First Space, and the market on the Concourse.
Follow the Festival
See the latest festival moments, announcements and conversations on Instagram.