Call For Entries-African and Ethiopian Film Awards at AAFMA 2025
Job Description
African Filmmakers from across the African continent and the diaspora to submit their films for the first edition of the Arkwood Africa Film Market and Awards (AAFMA) set to take place between 28 and 30 November 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Organized by Ethio-Arkwood Entertainment, in partnership with the Ethiopian Ministry of Culture & Sport, the Addis Ababa City Culture, Arts, and Tourism Bureau and Nolawi Film Production, this inaugural event aims to honor, celebrate, promote, and reward the creativity, quality, and excellence of Ethiopian and African cinema.
“We created this platform to support the growth of Ethiopia’s film industry by bringing the rest of the continent to Addis Ababa,” Ethio-Arkwood Co-founder and CEO Arsema Worku. ”Our goal is to provide opportunities for African filmmakers to network, collaborate, and gain access to markets. Through AAFMA, Ethiopian filmmakers and producers will have a gateway to distribution platforms and financing institutions that will enable them to export their films to global audiences. These awards will spotlight Ethiopia’s immense talent, opening doors for creators who deserve recognition and new opportunities.”
Eligibility Criteria
● The filmmaker must be African or African-based in the diaspora.
● The film must have been produced between January 2024 and February 2025.
● The film must be in English or contain English subtitles
● Films must be original works owned or legally controlled by the submitting party.
Award Categories
Ethiopia-Specific Awards
- Best Ethiopian Short Film (up to 30 minutes).
- Best Ethiopian Feature Film
- Best Ethiopian Documentary
- Best Ethiopian Film Director
- Best Ethiopian Actor
- Best Ethiopian Actress
- Best Ethiopian Emerging Actor
- Best Ethiopian Script Writer
- Best Ethiopian Film Producer
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Best Ethiopian Cinematographer
Pan-African/Diaspora Awards
- Best African Short Film
- Best African Feature Film
- Best African Documentary
- Best African Animated Film
- Best African Series
- Lifetime Achievement Award (Africa)
How to Submit
All submissions must be made through the AAFMA FilmFreeway page HERE.
The final submission deadline is 20 June 2025.
Note: Films not in English must be accompanied by English subtitles and a synopsis in English.
About AAFMA
Organized by Ethio-Arkwood Entertainment and Nolawi Film Production, the Arkwood Africa Film Market and Awards (AAFMA) is a pioneering initiative advancing Ethiopia’s and Africa’s audiovisual industry. It connects filmmakers, investors, and distributors, fostering collaboration and growth. Through workshops, conferences, B2B meetings, and policy advocacy, AAFMA strengthens industry capacity and tackles key challenges, positioning Ethiopia as a leading hub for African cinema while driving tourism and global recognition.
For more information about the event and partnership opportunities, please email, arkwood.projects@ethioarkwood.com