African Cinema Now! Celebrating African Stories on the Big Screen at VIFF

African Cinema Now! Returns to VIFF: The Witch at the Edge of the Screen November 11–25, 2026 | VIFF Centre, Vancouver Celebrate African cinema, challenge stereotypes, and experience powerful stories from across the continent. Plus, enjoy 20% off tickets with an exclusive community discount! Afro Van Connect Society is excited to share the latest edition of African Cinema Now!, presented by the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) and curated by Akojo Film Collective. This season, titled The Witch at the Edge of the Screen, brings together three compelling films that explore gender, power, superstition, and resistance through the lens of contemporary African storytelling. Across different African societies, accusations of witchcraft have historically been used to marginalize women, reinforce patriarchal power, and control those who challenge social expectations. But what happens when women reclaim these narratives and turn the camera back on the systems that seek to define them? Through satire, Afrofuturism, fantasy, and drama, this series challenges the absurdity of misogynistic beliefs while celebrating the creativity and resistance of African filmmakers. Featured Films The Bloodettes (2005) An audacious Afrofuturist satire set in 2025, The Bloodettes follows two sex workers who find themselves in an extraordinary predicament when a high-profile politician dies during an encounter. Blending science fiction, political satire, and provocative storytelling, the film explores corruption, gender, sexuality, and power through a distinctly African cinematic vision. Explore The Bloodettes and book tickets I Am Not a Witch (2017) Set in present-day Zambia, I Am Not a Witch is a visually striking feminist satire that follows a young girl accused of witchcraft and sent to a government-run witch camp. Through dark humour and surreal storytelling, the film examines the exploitation of women and girls, the contradictions of tradition and modernity, and the consequences of societal prejudice. Explore I Am Not a Witch and book tickets Xalé (2022) This moving Senegalese drama follows orphaned teenage twins Awa and Adama as they navigate family relationships, social expectations, and the challenges of growing up. Through an emotionally layered narrative, Xalé examines gender inequality, resilience, and the complexities of life within a changing society. Explore Xalé and book tickets Why African Cinema Matters At Afro Van Connect Society, we recognize storytelling as a powerful tool for cultural preservation, education, liberation, and community connection. African cinema offers opportunities to challenge dominant narratives, reclaim cultural identities, and amplify perspectives that have historically been excluded from mainstream film industries. The Witch at the Edge of the Screen invites audiences to reflect on the relationship between gender, culture, tradition, and power while celebrating the bold imagination of African filmmakers. By supporting initiatives like African Cinema Now!, we help create greater visibility for African stories and strengthen connections between communities across the diaspora. Exclusive 20% Discount for Our Community! We're pleased to share a special ticket offer for the Afro Van Connect community. Use promo code: VFC26ACN20 Receive 20% off tickets to any film in the African Cinema Now! series. Event Details Dates: November 11–25, 2026 Location: VIFF Centre, 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver Curated by: Akojo Film Collective Discount: 20% off with code VFC26ACN20 Book Your Tickets Here Join Us in Celebrating African Storytelling We encourage our community of artists, filmmakers, cultural workers, students, and cinema lovers to experience this thought-provoking series. Bring a friend, discover new perspectives, and support the filmmakers bringing African stories to screens around the world. African stories deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Shared by Afro Van Connect Society in support of African cinema, cultural expression, and community connection.