Date: 10th - 15th August 2026

    The Amathole District Film Festival (ADFF) is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to fostering the growth of the creative sector in the Eastern Cape. As a platform for cinematic excellence, cultural preservation, and industry development, ADFF aims to empower emerging and established filmmakers by providing access to opportunities, networks, and resources that help bring their stories to life.

    African stories matter. Through film, we preserve history, empower voices, and create opportunities for the next generation.

    Zinziswa Soga

    A Trailblazer in the South African Film Industry

    Welcome to the Amathole District Film Festival (ADFF) 2025

    The Amathole District Film Festival (ADFF) is a premier platform dedicated to celebrating diverse storytelling, empowering creatives, and fostering economic opportunities in marginalized communities. As a catalyst for industry growth, ADFF showcases groundbreaking films, facilitates skills development, and connects emerging and established talent with industry leaders.

    Rooted in the Eastern Cape, the festival is more than just a film showcase—it’s a movement to amplify local voices, inspire change, and create sustainable pathways for creatives in rural and urban spaces. Join us as we ignite creativity, nurture talent, and shape the future of African cinema.

    Support for the Amathole District Film Festival (ADFF)

    At ASPIRE, we believe in the transformative power of collaboration and innovation to drive economic growth and strengthen communities.We are proud to collaborate with EMBO OTT platform in launching the Amathole District Film Festival (ADFF) and its associated programs. This initiative represents a unique opportunity to highlight the vibrant cultural heritage and boundless potential of the Amathole District, while fostering sustainable development across multiple sectors.

    The ADFF is not merely a festival, it is a movement that seeks to position the Amathole District as ahub for creativity, tourism, and filmmaking. By bringing together local talent, internationalstakeholders, and visitors from across the globe, the festival will shine a spotlight on the excitinglandscapes, rich traditions, and compelling stories that define our region. Through captivating films,engaging tourism initiatives, and meaningful partnerships, the ADFF will celebrate the diversity andcreativeness of our communities while opening new doors for cultural exchange and economicopportunity.

    We envision the ADFF as a catalyst for growth that extends far beyond the festival itself. By investing in creative industries and tourism, we are creating jobs, attracting investment, and promoting the Amathole District as a prime destination for filmmakers, tourists, and entrepreneurs. Furthermore, we aim to inspire a new generation of local talent to dream big, harness their creative skills, and showcase their work on a global stage.

    ASPIRE is fully committed to supporting this vision and ensuring that the ADFF and its programs deliver meaningful impact for the people of the Amathole District. Together, we are building a brighter future, a future in which our region’s stories are celebrated, our communities are uplifted, and our district takes its rightful place on the map as a destination for culture, creativity, and connection.

    We invite everyone, partners, residents, and visitors alike to join us in this exciting journey and be part of a movement that will define the legacy of the Amathole District for generations to come.

    Avuyile Xabadiya (CEO, ASPIRE)

    Shimoni (The Pit)

    Year: 2022 | Genres: Narrative

    After 7 years in prison, Geoffrey, 35, has to restart his life in Shimoni. There, he stays
    hiding in the local Catholic Church. Then, one Sunday after Mass, Geoffrey sees him. Petrified, he pees his pants and, in a moment of rage, kills a calf. The monster has found him.

    Key Actors:

    Justin Mirichii
    Sam Psenjen
    Daniel Njoroge
    Vivian Wambui
    Muthoni Gathecha
    Gitura Kamau

    Directed by: Angela Wanjiku Wamai
    ⁠Producer: Angela Wanjiku Wamai Andrew Mungai Kato Change Irungu Kiongo Kamicha Kamau

    Suky

    Year: 2025 | Genres: Action

    In this grim and unforgiving environment, Suky discovers a glimmer of hope, a brutal underground fight club that promises freedom to the strongest. With nothing to lose and revenge fueling his every move, Suky must fight not only for his life but for a chance to reclaim his freedom.

    Key Actors:

    Tobi Bakre
    Olarotimi Fakunle
    Bimbo Ademoye
    James Damilare Solomon
    Femi Adebayo
    Ibrahim Yekini (Itele)
    Philip Asaya
    Boma Akpore

    Directed by: Ola Cardoso

    ⁠Producers:

    Ola Cardoso
    Bamidele Adelusi

    Sayari

    Year: 2025 | Genres: Action

    Shiru, a struggling BnB manager in the rolling hills of central Kenya, is recruited by the father of a runway groom to make sure he shows up for his wedding. Chaos, comedy, romance and adventure unfold!

    Key Actors:

    Muhugu Theuri
    Lucarelli Onyango

    Directed by: Omar Hamza

    ⁠Producers:

    June Wairegi
    Omar Hamza

    ADFF Funders

    ADFF Partners & Supporters

    Media Partners

    Venue Sponsorship & Host

      Our mission is to bridge the gap between emerging creatives and industry leaders, ensuring sustainable careers in film, television, and digital media. We believe in the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and drive socio-economic change, and ADFF is committed to unearthing raw talent, creating employment opportunities, and showcasing Eastern Cape’s rich heritage on global screens.

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