Festival Highlights

Opening Night Ceremony

Be part of an unforgettable Opening Night on Friday, January 31, at the Hollywood Theatre at 6:30pm (doors 6pm)! The evening begins with a spectacular live performance, setting the stage for the highly anticipated screening of Everybody Loves Touda by acclaimed Moroccan director Nabil Ayouch. Stick around after the film for an engaging Q&A session with special guests.

Special Advance Screening

Film stillWe enter Thursday, February 6 for an extraordinary night of African cinema and cultural celebration at the Tomorrow Theater, 3530 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202. We’re thrilled to partner once again with PAM CUT for an advance screening of On Becoming a Guinea Fowl by the visionary Zambian director Rungano Nyoni.

The evening goes beyond the screen – immerse yourself in interactive activities and Portland-based experience with Polaroids by Paiz. Stay for a thought-provoking 30-minute conversation with cultural experts and community leaders, who will unpack the film’s powerful themes. Doors open 6pm.

Centerpiece Weekend

Film stillCenterpiece Weekend takes place February 14–15, featuring the artistry of acclaimed Senegalese filmmaker Moussa Sène Absa. On Friday, February 14, join us at the Hollywood Theatre at 6:30pm (doors 6pm), for Xalé, a powerful film accompanied by an intimate Q&A with the director. Move into our retrospective series on Saturday, February 15, at PCC Cascade Moriarty Auditorium with the screenings of Tableau Ferraille at 2pm and Madame Brouette at 7pm, with a Q&A session with the director.

Family Fest

Bring the whole family to our Family Film Fest & Activities, in collaboration with Multnomah County Library at PCC Cascade Saturday, February 22 at 2pm with the screening of Hajjanboth an adventure story and a moving account of the deep bond that can develop between human and animal.

Life and Times Documentaries

GroupAudiences will discover profound stories of resilience, cultural identity, and social transformation through these powerful documentaries. From Raoul Peck’s Ernest Cole: Lost and Found, they will uncover the legacy of a trailblazing photographer who courageously documented apartheid-era South Africa. Sherief Elkatsha’s Far From the Nile reveals how music becomes a unifying force, bridging diverse cultures connected by the Nile River. In Bobi Wine: The People’s President by Moses Bwayo and Christopher Sharp, viewers witness the inspiring journey of a Ugandan musician-turned-activist fighting for justice and democracy. Finally, Mati Diop’s Dahomey immerses audiences in the rich heritage and struggles of a historical kingdom, exploring themes of memory, power, and identity. Together, these films offer insight into the human spirit’s ability to rise, unite, and transform.

Women Filmmakers Week, Marketplace Day, and Closing Night Celebration

February 27 – March 1 will feature films by an emerging force of women filmmakers, within African cinema. Explore the vibrant Marketplace Day, featuring African and Black-owned vendors, stunning crafts, artwork, and more at PCC Cascade on Saturday, March 1, from 2-6pm. Then, enjoy our Closing Night on Saturday, March 1 at 7pm with the screening of Under the Fig Trees (Tunisia) by filmmaker Erige Sehiri.

CFAF Special Curated African Films with Kanopy

Discover more films during our festival. Thanks to our partnership with *Multnomah County Library,  you can enjoy a curated films list via Kanopy. Free for anyone with a library card and a streaming device. View available film list selections and get more details about stream viewing.

*If Multnomah County Library doesn’t serve your area, check with your local library to see if our curated list of films is available on their streaming platform.

Talkback Sessions

Join us after each evening’s feature film throughout the festival for meaningful conversations and connections as we share and reflect on our film-viewing experiences.