The All African Independent Film Festival (AAIFF Africa) is making its debut in Kigali, running from September 13-15 at the French Institute of Rwanda.

AAIFF Africa features 23 films from 17 countries, competing in 10 categories for 16 awards, with the highest honor being Africa’s Best Independent Film 2024.

As the sister event to the European Independent Film Festival (ÉCU) in Paris, which has been a major fixture for 19 years, AAIFF Africa leverages the global reputation of the ÉCU Film Festival Group to bring international recognition to Africa's independent filmmakers.

Some of the prestigious awards set to be handed out at the 2024 edition to the festival include Africa’s Best Independent Film, Africa’s Best Independent Film Director, Best African Independent Dramatic Short and Best African Independent Dramatic Feature.

Others include Best African Independent Animated Film, Best African Independent Student Film, Best African Independent Experimental Film, Best African Independent Music Video, Best Independent Short Script, Best Independent Feature Script, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Actress, Best Actor, and the Rwandan Students Special Award.

Along with film screenings, the festival will also have panel talks with directors, actors, and experts, discussing topics ranging from how films are made and shared with audiences to the future of African movies.

ALSO READ: Cinetie: A new streaming platform set to get African movie market booming

In a press interview, Scott Hillier, an Australian director and producer based in Paris, and the founder of ÉCU, reflected on his filmmaking journey, which began as a war cameraman and led him to establish the European Independent Film Festival two decades ago.

"Winning a big award in New York changed my life,” Hillier said. "It transformed me into an award-winning director, and that title opens doors, it makes your next film easier to make.”

Hillier said the idea to create AAIFF Africa stemmed from his desire to provide a platform for independent filmmakers.

"Festivals change lives. When you win an award, you gain credibility. That recognition boosts a filmmaker’s career, opening new opportunities,” he added.

After expanding the festival to Asia five years ago, Hillier turned his attention to Africa.

"I’ve spent a lot of time in Africa, and by 2050, one in four people in the world will be African. There are incredible storytellers here, and I want to give them the platform they deserve,” he noted, emphasising that the festival’s goal is to spotlight Africa’s rich and diverse storytelling.

"We have films ranging from animation to feature-length drama stories that can be told in many forms. What’s important is telling a good story, and telling it well,” he added.

Looking ahead, Hillier hopes to see AAIFF Africa grow in future editions. "This is just our first year, and we’re funding it ourselves. But I’m confident we’ll attract more filmmakers next year. Our aim is to continue growing this platform and ensuring that African filmmakers gain the recognition they deserve.”

Following the success of the European and Asian editions, Hillier also revealed plans to bring the festival to the Americas next year.

"Imagine a director from Kigali presenting their film in Mexico City, that's the kind of exposure we want to provide,” he said.

His passion for independent cinema is steady. "It’s about the struggle to tell a story without big budgets, but when that story finds an audience, it can change everything. We’re here to provide that platform for these voices to be heard,” he explained.

The festival will end with an awards giving ceremony to recognise the best works in various categories.