With France announced as Destination Focus for 2026, this year's event is expected to deepen creative and commercial ties between Africa and France across co-production, distribution, financing, fashion, music and cultural exchange.

As the industry prepares for another edition, FAME Week Africa is encouraging creatives, producers, studios, storytellers, brands and industry professionals to take note of the important upcoming deadlines and opportunities now open.

Early Bird Registration Now Open

Registration for FAME Week Africa 2026 is open. Industry professionals are encouraged to register early to gain access to early programme announcements, matchmaking opportunities, advance meeting scheduling, networking events and curated industry sessions designed to connect Africa's creative industries with global partners and opportunities. 

Early bird registration closes on Tuesday, 30 June.

FAME Shorts Film Festival 

The FAME Shorts Film Festival is once again calling on emerging and established filmmakers to submit original short-form storytelling for its 2026 edition. Following the success of previous years, the festival continues to grow as a platform connecting African filmmakers with audiences, industry professionals and international buyers. This year's programme will also feature a dedicated French presence as part of the 2026 Destination Focus initiative.

The submission deadline is Friday, 22 May.

The Project Pitch Platform 

The Project Pitch Platform returns for 2026, offering filmmakers, producers and creators the opportunity to pitch feature films, series and innovative formats directly to broadcasters, streamers, distributors, and industry decision-makers attending MIP Africa.

The submission deadline is Friday, 12 June. 

The Inclusive Lens Awards 

The Inclusive Lens Awards return in 2026, continuing to celebrate authentic representation and inclusive storytelling across film and television. The awards recognise projects and creators championing Kids' Programming, Disability Representation and LGBTQIA+ Representation.

The awards are powered by EarCandy, African content localisation provider.

The submission deadline is Monday, 13 July.

African Cultural and Creative Business Marketplace 

FAME Week Africa brings together:

  • MIP Africa — the continent's B2B content and co-production market.
  • Muziki Africa — connecting the business of music across Africa.
  • African Fashion Forum — exploring the intersection of fashion, culture and screen industries.
  • FAME Shorts Film Festival — celebrating original African storytelling on screen.

As Africa's creative industries continue to evolve, FAME Week Africa remains focused on creating opportunities for African talent, stories and IP to connect with global markets.

For more information, visit www.fameweekafrica.com. You can also follow FAME Week Africa on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, or on TikTok.

*Image courtesy of contributor