The African Film Festival Inc welcomes you to the 31st edition of the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF). Paying homage to early African cinema, as well as celebrating modern masterpieces, NYAFF31 is both a zeitgeist of the past, and a hologram of the future.  Convened under the theme “Convergence of Time” NYAFF31 is an introspection on African cinema, exploring how its evolution expands beyond the scope of both time and space.  Through the observation of the convergence of time, NYAFF highlights how veteran filmmakers used film to weather the changing landscape of post-colonial Africa, and contemporary filmmakers employ it to visually channel the experience of modern socio-economic inequality. The overall effect is to celebrate how much authentic expression has enriched the well being of African artists and audiences alike, and provide an optimistic framework for the bright future of African cinema.  

Throughout its 31 years, NYAFF has had the honor of witnessing, and sharing the pioneering spirit of African cinema, as well as championing the shapeshifting nature of contemporary African film. Not only has each edition served as a preservation of African cinematic traditions, but has proven to be part of the  blueprint for the future of homegrown industry. With over 90  films from over 30  countries, this year’s festival is dedicated to representative storytelling, which unites all of Africa’s people, from each corner of the globe.  

“The 31st New York Film Festival has so much to offer in terms of honoring the origins of  homegrown African and diaspora industries, as well as celebrating their references in modern masterpieces.”

— Mahen Bonetti, Founder and Executive Director

The 31st New York African Film Festival was organized by Mahen Bonetti, Founder and Executive Director, African Film Festival, Inc. with Tisa Chigaga, Zamzam Dirieh Ali, Devin Powell, Amanda Vieira, Salma Malhas, Françoise Bouffault, Jacki Fischer and Joan Baffour in collaboration with Film at Lincoln Center, Florence Almozini, Senior Director of Programming, Erin Delaney, Manager, Operations & Productions, Dan Sullivan, Programmer, Jeff Delauter, Senior Director, Theater Operations; Jesse Trussel,Senior Programmer, BAM Film; Nelson Walker, Interim Executive Director,and Emily Apter, Director of Programming, Maysles Documentary Center.

Thanks are due to the AFF Board of Directors, Luca Bonetti, Belynda Hardin, Zainab Aliyu, Alonzo Speight, Shirine Gill, Malika Lee Whitney, Cheryl Duncan & Company Inc. Public Relations, Kojo Associates, and AFF’s volunteer team.