African Stories
A non-competitive showcase of short films from Africa’s most dynamic new voices. Curated to highlight the continent’s rich cultural perspectives and storytelling traditions, the program offers a unique window into the creativity driving Africa’s diverse and growing film communities.
Amon
USA | 6 min | WORLD PREMIERE
As a boy responds to letters for his illiterate grandmother, he is confronted with one of news of her failing health — he must make the decision to disclose the truth or keep the letter’s contents to himself.
Director: Chloé-Eloïse Mallet | Writer: Chloé-Eloïse Mallet | Producers: Jiayang Liu, Chloé-Eloïse Mallet | Cast: Lamine Goita, Maimounay Lemailloux
Bam Bam
NIGERIA | 17 min | US PREMIERE
When a gifted but withdrawn teenager falls for a classmate, his AI best friend pushes him toward love, forcing him to confront the self-doubt that has shaped his life.
Director: Tolulope Itegboje | Writer: Tolulope Itegboje | Producers: Oge Obasi, Tolulope Itegboje | Cast: Kelechi Udegbe, Ambrose Nwoga
The Break-In
SOUTH AFRICA | 14 min | WORLD PREMIERE
A routine break-in spirals when tensions inside a crew of small-time thieves force one member to question the future he’s been chasing.
Director: Sizwe Kubeka | Writer: Sizwe Kubeka | Producers: Masibulele Mtonjeni | Cast: Malusi Ngxubungela, Patrick Sithole, Akhile Mjanyelwa
MR ROGERS
NIGERIA | 19 min | US PREMIERE
From the tale of “Old Roger is dead and gone to his grave” stems a young family who goes to spend a holiday weekend with relatives, and ignorantly awakens an unforgiven but insidious entity that rains terror, bringing their bloodline to the brink of hell.
Director: Daniel Ehimen | Writer: Daniel Ehimen & Aaliyah Salia | Producers: Daniel Ehimen, Oladayo Oladejo, Omoyeni Sholabomi Disu | Cast: Yusrah Ayinde, Joseph Imoikor, Demi Banwo, Princess Obuseh, Ayo Binta Mogaji, Kunle Coker, Francis Oyinlola Bakare
Our Brother
KENYA | 15 min | US PREMIERE
A grieving family faces loss and imminent departures while tensions rise as the matriarch cares for her eldest autistic son. The intricate threads binding them are tested.
Director: Shandra Apondi | Writer: Shandra Apondi, Kofi Ntiforo, Norris Kabembe | Producers: Celine Onditi, Shandra Apondi | Cast: Beatrice Kamuyu, Brian Furaha, Ivy Collette Nafula, Agwingi Adingo