The Locarno Open Doors African short films selection has brought together five talented filmmakers from across the continent. They will compete for the inaugural African Film Press (AFP) Critics Prize during the 79th Locarno Film Festival.
The festival will run from August 5 to 10, 2026. The selected directors come from Senegal, Kenya, Ethiopia, Mozambique and Angola. Notably, this is the first time the AFP Critics Prize will be presented outside Africa.
The winner will receive a $500 cash prize, official certification and continued editorial support. As a result, the award will help promote the filmmaker’s work to a wider international audience.
Five African filmmakers earn international recognition
The competition features five short films with different storytelling styles. Some focus on history. Others explore identity, conflict or environmental issues.
In addition, every selected director will participate in the Open Doors Directors Hub. The programme provides mentorship, career guidance and valuable networking opportunities.
The selected films reflect the diversity of African cinema. Furthermore, they highlight stories rooted in local cultures and lived experiences.
Senegal explores urban transformation
Senegalese filmmaker Fagamou Fama Ndiaye will present Concrete Moves.
The 12-minute documentary examines the rapid transformation of Dakar. It also explores the city’s disappearing natural environment.
The story begins with the director’s childhood memory of seeing a snake during a school trip to the Mamelles Lighthouse. From there, the film connects personal memories with today’s urban expansion.
Consequently, the documentary questions how concrete development is replacing nature, history and collective memory.
Angola, Kenya and Ethiopia showcase unique stories
Angolan director Pocas Pascoal enters the competition with Time to Change.
The five-minute experimental documentary uses archival footage throughout. It connects colonialism, slavery and land exploitation with today’s environmental destruction.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Judy Kibinge presents Goat.
The supernatural folk thriller follows Suki and Benjamin. The young couple visits a remote livestock farm. However, their peaceful trip soon turns into a disturbing experience.
Similarly, Ethiopian filmmaker Rediet Haddis Yalew joins the competition with sKINs_ADDIS ABEBA.
The film explores identity and youth culture in Addis Ababa. At the same time, it offers a visually rich portrait of life in Ethiopia’s capital.
Mozambique completes the lineup
Mozambican filmmaker Ariel Añez competes with Submergido.
The 14-minute short follows Sergio as he returns home with tragic news. His brother Amarildo has disappeared during the conflict in Cabo Delgado.
As the story unfolds, the film examines grief, family and the emotional impact of war.
Importantly, Submergido marks Añez’s directorial debut. The film previously premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
Open Doors strengthens African cinema
The five shortlisted films form part of a larger programme. Overall, the Open Doors Screenings section includes 13 films from 12 African countries.
The initiative reflects Locarno’s ongoing four-year commitment to African cinema. In particular, it supports filmmakers working in regions with limited production infrastructure.
Moreover, the programme combines screenings with mentorship and industry connections. It also helps emerging directors reach international audiences.
The competition celebrates the strength and diversity of African storytelling. It also creates new opportunities for emerging filmmakers.
Ultimately, the inaugural AFP Critics Prize represents another important step for African cinema. As the festival approaches, audiences can expect compelling stories from some of the continent’s most promising creative voices.
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