African Film Press (AFP), a pan-African alliance of independent film platforms, has announced the launch of its highly anticipated AFP Critics Prize, designed to spotlight African critical voices in the film industry.
The inaugural award will debut at the Surreal16 Film Festival (S16) in Lagos this December, marking a milestone for both African critics and filmmakers.
In a statement released on Wednesday, African Film Press, detailed that the Critics Prize aims to enhance visibility and public discourse around African cinema, while recognising the essential role of film criticism in shaping festival culture.
Inspired by the prestigious FIPRESCI Prize, the initiative seeks to empower African voices and foster deeper engagement with the continent’s diverse cinematic narratives.
For the first edition, the winning film will be selected by African Film Press’s founding editors – Tambay Obenson of Akoroko, Jennifer Ochieng of Sinema Focus, and Ikeade Oriade of What Kept Me Up.
Obenson emphasised that the prize will expand in future editions to include a broader jury comprising critics from across Africa and the diaspora, ensuring more inclusive representation.
“The African Film Press Critics Prize represents an important step in centering African critical voices in festival culture while creating visibility and recognition for filmmakers across the continent,” Obenson said.
“Surreal16 was the natural choice for this launch. Their focus on bold, independent storytelling aligns perfectly with our mission.”
The award will include a cash prize, a trophy, and a certificate, reflecting African Film Press’s commitment to supporting critics and filmmakers alike.
The alliance, founded in 2024 with support from Germany’s GIZ agency and private backers, currently brings together three established platforms: Akoroko (pan-African and global focus), Sinema Focus (Kenya and East Africa), and What Kept Me Up (Nigeria and Anglophone West Africa).
Plans are underway to launch a Southern Africa chapter in September 2025.
CJ “Fiery” Obasi, co-founder of Surreal16, expressed excitement over AFP’s partnership. “We’re thrilled that the African Film Press Critics Prize will be presented at Surreal16.
Our festival has always championed originality and risk-taking in storytelling, and this collaboration ensures that African critics are central to shaping the conversation around our films,” he said.
Founded by Nigerian filmmakers Obasi, Abba Makama, and Michael Omonua, Surreal16 has gained recognition for its daring curatorial identity and support from international partners, including the French and Dutch embassies, Goethe-Institut, and Sterling Bank.
Obasi’s acclaimed film Mami Wata won the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Cinematography at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and was Nigeria’s submission for the 2024 Oscars, further cementing the festival’s international credibility.
AFP plans to present the Critics Prize at four African festivals annually, starting with Surreal16, signalling a continent-wide initiative to nurture film criticism and elevate cinematic standards.
By amplifying critical perspectives, AFP hopes to inspire filmmakers, audiences, and policymakers to invest more deeply in African storytelling.
“The creation of the AFP Critics Prize is about more than awards.
It’s about building a sustainable ecosystem where African voices – both in filmmaking and criticism – are celebrated and amplified,” said Jennifer Ochieng, co-founder of Sinema Focus.
“This initiative ensures that the critical dialogue around African cinema evolves alongside its creative output.”
Industry observers note that the move could transform African film festivals by creating a structured, recognised platform for critics whose insights often shape audience reception, festival programming, and international attention.
By institutionalising critical evaluation, AFP is laying the groundwork for a more professional, influential, and interconnected African film ecosystem.
With its debut at Lagos’ Surreal16 festival, the AFP Critics Prize promises to become a flagship award, recognising not only cinematic excellence but also the vital role of criticism in nurturing Africa’s cultural and creative industries.