Film Africa 2025 : ten days of African Cinema in London – a cultural celebration and tourism boost
From 14 to 23 November 2025, London will host Film Africa, a flagship festival celebrating African and diaspora cinema. Organized by the Royal African Society, the event stands as Europe’s premier platform for African moving-image work, showcasing both emerging talents and established filmmakers from the continent.
Film Africa 2025 will feature a curated selection of films across genres, from feature films to documentaries and shorts. The festival opens with My Father’s Shadow, a Nigerian drama by Akinola Davies Jr., exploring political tensions during the 1993 Lagos elections. It will close with Katanga: The Dance of the Scorpions, a Burkinabé film inspired by Macbeth, awarded the Yennenga Golden Stallion at FESPACO.
The lineup also highlights cinema from the Democratic Republic of Congo, showcasing films that explore cultural identity, memory, and historical legacies.
Cultural Diplomacy and International Reach
Film Africa serves as a cultural bridge between the UK, Africa, and its diasporas. By providing a platform for African voices, the festival fosters mutual understanding and strengthens ties in trade, education, and development. This “soft power” approach also enhances London’s image as an inclusive, culturally rich city.
The festival emphasizes inclusive access, featuring family screenings, school programmes, and sessions for neurodiverse audiences. Community partnerships link the festival to local schools and neighborhoods, encouraging the next generation to engage with African culture and storytelling.
Diaspora celebrations
Film Africa 2025 is expected to further intertwine cultural programming with London’s visitor economy. Highlighting cinema, diaspora celebrations, and leading cultural venues, the festival drives cultural tourism, increases visitor spending, generates jobs in creative and hospitality sectors, and enhances London’s global visibility.
