About

Our Story

Africa is not one story, It’s thousands of languages, cultures, cities, traditions, futures and imaginations.

Through film, every story becomes an invitation to see the world through someone else’s eyes.

Watch Africa Film Festival is Wales’s annual celebration of African cinema and storytelling. This September, filmmakers, artists, communities and audiences come together to watch films, exchange ideas, make, learn and celebrate.

Rooted in Wales and connected across Africa and its global diaspora, WAFF creates space for stories that entertain, challenge, celebrate and inspire. Stories that spark conversation. Stories that build understanding. Stories that remind us that cinema can connect people across borders, generations and cultures.

Since 2013, the festival has created a platform where powerful storytelling, cultural exchange and community come together through film.

Whether you’re discovering African cinema for the first time or returning to stories that feel like home, this is your invitation.

Express Your Africa.

Years

168

Films

10,000+

Viewers

Wales’s only African film festival

When

11–13 September 2026

Where

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff

Theme

Express Your Africa

Feature films. Short films. Animation. Documentary. Experimental cinema — from emerging voices to internationally recognised filmmakers. Alongside the screen: workshops, talks, live music and cultural events across the weekend.

Our Vision

To become the UK’s leading African film festival.

Recognised for championing African filmmakers, nurturing new voices, and creating unforgettable cultural experiences where everyone feels welcome.

Our Pillars

Four commitments that shape everything we programme.

Cinema

We champion bold African filmmaking in all its forms — feature, short, animation, documentary, experimental. From emerging voices to internationally recognised filmmakers.

Community

WAFF is more than a film festival. It’s a gathering — a place where communities meet, conversations begin, and people feel they belong.

Creativity

Film is only the beginning. Workshops, masterclasses, music, art, making, discussion — everyone is invited to participate.

Connection

WAFF strengthens cultural relationships between Wales, Africa and the African diaspora — creating opportunities for collaboration, learning and lasting partnerships through cinema.

Workshops and making

Storytelling, dance, music and mask-making sessions open to all experience levels.

Conversation and exchange

Q&As, talks and Short Snacks — because good conversation happens over good food.

Celebration

Live music, dance, market traders and parties across all three festival days.

Beyond September

A festival that runs all year.

Monthly screenings, WAFF Club, workshops and partner events keep African cinema on Cardiff screens between editions.

There’s a place for you here.

11–13 September 2026 · Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.