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Lagos has been named the only African partner city for the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival under the prestigious “Goes to Cannes” 2026 programme, marking a historic moment for Nigeria and the continent’s film industry.
The announcement positions Lagos as Africa’s sole representative at one of the most influential film markets in the world, with the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) serving as the official curator of selected projects.
The programme will run from May 12 to 20 at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, France, as part of the Marché du Film the business arm of Cannes and one of the largest film markets globally.
Established in 1959, the market attracts over 12,000 industry professionals annually, facilitating thousands of film deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Within this ecosystem, “Goes to Cannes” provides participating festivals and partner cities a structured opportunity to showcase carefully selected works-in-progress to international distributors, sales agents, financiers and festival programmers.
For 2026, Lagos joins cities such as Hong Kong and Tokyo in presenting a curated slate of films. AFRIFF, founded by Chioma Ude, will select between five and seven Nigerian and African films currently in post-production.
These films must not have screened at any international festival or been released online. Each selected filmmaker will present an extended teaser lasting about 10 to 15 minutes, followed by a live pitch session outlining funding needs and distribution goals.
The responsibility placed on AFRIFF is significant. The festival is expected to present a balanced slate that reflects the diversity of African storytelling from thrillers and social dramas to documentaries and animation.
Beyond the individual films, AFRIFF’s role underscores a broader institutional shift. Rather than filmmakers navigating global markets alone, Nigeria’s film ecosystem will now be platformed collectively through an established cultural body.
This milestone builds on previous engagements at Cannes. In May 2025, AFRIFF signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nigeria’s Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, leading to the creation of the AFRIFF Film and Content Market.
The 2026 “Goes to Cannes” participation is widely viewed as a continuation of that strategic partnership and a signal that Nigeria’s creative economy is gaining formal international recognition.
For Nigerian filmmakers, the benefits are tangible. Securing a sales agent, co-production partnership or major festival premiere before a film is completed can dramatically alter its commercial trajectory.
Access to the Cannes market offers direct exposure to global buyers who shape distribution pipelines worldwide.
On a broader scale, Lagos’ inclusion elevates its status as a serious film city. Cannes exposure often generates ripple effects attracting foreign investment, encouraging co-productions and strengthening technical collaborations.
As the full official Cannes 2026 selection awaits announcement, Lagos’ participation alone represents a defining cultural moment, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing influence within the global film industry.
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