NIFS and Nile Entertainment Launch Focus on Africa Conference

The Nigerian Intern Film Summit (NIFS) and Nile Entertainment have announced a partnership to host the Focus on Africa Conference during the 79th Cannes Film Festival, set for May 13, 2026. This conference is designed to position African cinema directly within the global marketplace, focusing on acquisition, financing, and distribution.

The partnership aims to create a direct pathway for African storytelling to engage with global buyers, addressing the need for sustainable commercial relationships in the industry. Ijeoma Onah, the convenor of the Nigerian Intern Film Summit, emphasized the importance of this conference as a formal arrival for African cinema at the negotiation table with the rest of the world.

The program will feature various initiatives, including an African animation investor pitch and showcases of the best African films. Notable participants include Daniel Etim-Effiong and Brenda Ogbukaa.

The conference will also open accreditation for delegates attending the Cannes International Film Festival.