After just three editions, the highly acclaimed Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has become a reference point for notable film festivals of African origin and the most recognised from Nigeria.

Nollywood fast-rising male star, O.C. Ukeje said recently in Lagos, when asked about AFRIFF, “I was at the festival last year and it was loads of fun. The industry sessions were very informative and gave clear insights to a number of issues that we face as film practitioners. I am looking forward to attending this year’s festival so I can learn some more.”

Veteran actress, Kate Henshaw opined at the same forum, “I believe there is no doubt that AFRIFF is showing traits comparable to some festivals that have been in existence for several decades. I was quite impressed by the strategic array of film entries screened at last year’s edition. They provide a genuine platform for African filmmakers to learn from one another.”

AFRIFF, which was represented this year at the Cannes International Film Festival, France; Durban International Film Festival, South Africa; The African Film Festival, New York and the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada, has enjoyed an enviable collection of film entries, resource persons, artistic collaborations and top celebrities from various parts of Africa, and indeed the world, thereby earning itself the status of a truly pan-African film forum and Internationally recognised event.

“I am delighted with our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative this year. The skill acquisition training workshops are taking a different dimension. We will be providing scholarships for exceptional students,” says Chioma Ude, AFRIFF’s founder & CEO and one of the industry’s heavyweights. “We are working towards making the festival an even bigger spectacle and magnifying each component part,” she added.

Rita Dominic, one of AFRIFF’s goodwill ambassadors capped it by saying, “I applaud AFRIFF’s unwavering commitment to the positive transformation going on in Nollywood and the African cinema at large. The upcoming 2014 edition is going to be a blast, so save the dates, November 9 to 16, 2014.”