Accra Indie Filmfest Winners at its 8th Edition, Celebrating “Resilience in Motion”

The 8th edition of the Accra Indie Filmfest (AiF) concluded on a high note after five days of outstanding film screenings, industry conversations, masterclasses, networking events, and cultural exchange, culminating in an awards ceremony that celebrated some of the world’s most compelling short films and emerging filmmaking talent that participated in the festival.

Held under the theme “Resilience in Motion,” this year’s festival brought together filmmakers, industry professionals, students, and cinema lovers from around the world to celebrate stories of perseverance, innovation, and the transformative power of short films. Throughout the week, audiences experienced an exciting programme of screenings, professional development opportunities, and international collaborations that reaffirmed Accra Indie Filmfest’s commitment to championing independent cinema in Africa and beyond.

The festival’s highest honours recognised exceptional achievements in storytelling, performance, directing, and technical excellence across an impressive international selection of films.

2026 Accra Indie Filmfest Award Winners

• Best Documentary: Indikwe – As Long As There Is Life – Directed By: Indi Casadei (Switzerland)
• Best Student Film: God is Grey – Directed By: Jennifer Drake (Germany)
• Best Production Design: End Of Play – Directed By: Edem Wornoo (United Kingdom)
• Best Screenplay: Naishe Nyamubaya – Directed By: God Sleeps on Sundays (Zimbabwe)
• Best Animation: Grandma –Directed By: Ronaldo Pereira (Brazil)
• Best Actor: Sope Dirisu – In “End Of Play” (United Kingdom)
• Best Actress: Tendaiishe Chitima – In “God Sleeps on Sundays” (Zimbabwe)
• Best Director: Will Niava – Jazz Infernal (Canada)
• Best Narrative Film: Jazz Infernal – Directed by Will Niava (Canada)

In addition to the official competition awards, the festival also recognised ten outstanding emerging creative talents who participated in AiF Talent Connect, a platform established to identify, mentor, and support the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers through project pitching for an opportunity to participate in the next edition of Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival’s Talent Connexion. This project is delivered, kind courtesy of the French Embassy.

The AiF Talent Connect Winner was awarded to:

• Mohammed Abdul Majeed – Project Title: Ayorkor’s Song

The jury also presented Special Mentions to:

• Julius Adongo Yinime – Project Title: Rhythms of Resilience
• Louise Ato Appiah – Project Title: Efo Toli

The 2026 edition further strengthened the festival’s growing international reputation, welcoming films from across Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and Asia while continuing its mission to position Ghana as an important destination for independent cinema and cross-cultural creative exchange.

Accra Indie Filmfest extends its sincere appreciation to its partners, sponsors, jury members, volunteers, filmmakers, audiences, and supporters whose commitment made the 8th edition a remarkable success.

As the curtains close on another memorable edition, the festival looks forward to building on this momentum by creating even greater opportunities for filmmakers, expanding international collaborations, and continuing to celebrate bold, independent voices from Ghana, Africa, and the world.