African cinema is commanding global attention as films from the continent are securing coveted slots at major international festivals.

The latest selections is a Nigerian documentary titled, ‘Beyond the Rim – The Heart of D’Tigress’ and Cameroonian feature-length film ‘Lights Out’ at the 30th anniversary edition of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF).

The festival is scheduled to take place in Miami Beach from May 27 to May 31, 2026.

‘Heart of D’Tigress’, directed by Adesua Okosun, chronicles Nigeria’s women’s basketball team’s rise from underdogs to the first African side to reach an Olympic quarterfinal.

While ‘Lights Out’ stars Wale Ojo, Shaffy Bello and Syndy Emade. The film explores the emotional and psychological impact of memory loss within African communities. The pan-African production was directed by Enah Johnscott and produced by Carista Asonganyi and Buh Melvin.

According to ABFF’s organisers, this year’s festival, themed ‘Homecoming’, will celebrate legacy while spotlighting emerging voices across the diaspora.

Speaking at the official unveiling of its five finalists for the prestigious HBO Short Film Award Showcase, NICE CROWD Founder and CEO Jeff Friday said the anniversary edition reflects the spirit of homecoming

“We are honouring the stories and creative vision that have shaped our legacy while welcoming a new generation of filmmakers,” she said.

“As we mark 30 years of the American Black Film Festival, we’re honoured to continue our longstanding partnership with HBO in presenting the HBO Short Film Award Showcase.

“This program has been instrumental in launching the careers of groundbreaking filmmakers, and this year’s finalists carry that legacy forward with bold, compelling work. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and the continued impact of this collaboration.”

Meanwhile, three African films, including ‘Ben’Imana’, ‘Congo Boy’ and ‘La Más Dulce’ were also listed for the Un Certain Regard section at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, which runs from May 12, 2026 to May 23, 2026

(The Nation)

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