REFFA 2026 announces nominees, sets stage for a pan-african celebration of film and creative industry as second edition draws 314 entries from 36 countries
Regal Film Festival and Awards return to Accra, Ghana for its second edition scheduled for , 8–12 December, under the theme “Reimagining Africa: Stories Beyond Borders.” with a new Content Market built to connect African stories to buyers, distributors and investors
The Regal Film Festival & Awards (REFFA) has announced the nominees for its second edition, following a call for entries that drew 314 submissions from 36 countries bringing filmmakers and screen talent from across Africa and the diaspora into the spotlight. The nominations mark a key milestone on the road to the festival, which will convene filmmakers, actors, producers, writers, technical creatives and industry stakeholders in Accra from 8 to 12 December 2026. The maiden edition in 2025 received 121 entries from 21 countries.
Submissions were first screened by the Academy of Screeners, which advanced 194 films for evaluation by the jury. The jury completed its assessment and handed the results to Deloitte. The breadth of submissions reflects the range of stories and filmmaking approaches being brought forward by African and diaspora creatives. The nominees were revealed at REFFA Nomination Night, held 9th October 2026 at Accra Marriott Hotel, Airport, Accra, Ghana.
The 2026 edition builds on REFFA’s inaugural year and its commitment to recognising cinematic achievement, encouraging cultural exchange and amplifying stories that cross borders. Under the theme “Reimagining Africa: Stories Beyond Borders,” the festival aims to celebrate creative excellence while strengthening connections between filmmakers, audiences and the wider screen industry. It honours work from across the continent and the diaspora, from features, shorts, series and documentaries to animation, student films and African-language productions.
Being nominated is a massive triumph. Out of hundreds of exceptional entries, your work stood out for its artistry, its impact and its dedication to the craft. To everyone waiting anxiously in the audience, we are all winners.
– Selassie Ibrahim, Executive Director, REFFA
Festival week: 8 to 12 December 2026
REFFA 2026 takes place at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel and The Palms Convention Center in Accra, Ghana. The festival opens on 8 December and runs through 11 December, with the REFFA Cultural Night bringing participants from different African countries together to celebrate the culture that shapes African storytelling. The REFFA 2026 Awards Night Gala follows on 12 December at The Palms Convention Center.
A platform that connects content to opportunity
A major pillar of the 2026 edition is the REFFA x Blue Pictures Entertainment Content Market, which brings content and opportunity into the same room:
- Exhibition booths and stands where filmmakers and producers showcase films, television series, documentaries, animation and digital content to buyers, distributors, broadcasters, aggregators and investors.
- The Regal Vault, a dedicated preview room where producers with completed projects present their work directly to distributors, broadcasters, aggregators and other decision-makers.
- The Make a Deal Forum, where selected filmmakers, producers and creators pitch their projects to investors, broadcasters, distributors, financiers and other partners.
REFFA is evolving,
The organisers said at Nomination Night.
We are moving from simply celebrating content to becoming a platform that connects content to opportunity.
Regional outreach
Eastern Africa has a strong showing. Kenya is represented by Nawi – Dear Future Me, One Woman One Bra (a Kenya–Nigeria co-production), Boda Love, 1992 and Asanti Nyuki. Uganda is represented by Slum Bomber, Nkinzi, Adui, Damalie, After The Ashes, Mfuko the Duffle Bag, Jimbi, Lice And Shine and Shining A Light on Lupus. South Africa is represented by The House That Never Sleeps and Prisoner in My Mind.
To bring the nominations and festival to audiences and industries beyond West Africa, REFFA has appointed regional representation for Eastern and Southern Africa. Media houses, film bodies, distributors and funding partners in these regions are invited to follow the nominees, cover the festival and take part in the Content Market.
Eastern and Southern Africa carry some of the continent’s boldest new voices. REFFA 2026 gives their films a stage in Accra and a route to buyers, funders and audiences well beyond their home markets. We want every industry in our regions to know about the nominees, and to be in the room in December.
– Kizito Samuel Saviour, Jury Member and Official Representative, REFFA – East Africa
With 314 submissions from 36 countries, Nawi – Dear Future Me emerged among the most nominated films with 16 nominations including Best Picture and Best Director among the likes of; No Man of God (Ghana) 17; Two (Ghana) 13; Ebinto (Côte d’Ivoire) 12; Slum Bomber (Uganda) 10.
Also nominated Kenyan projects are, One Woman One Bra, Boda Love, 1992 and Asanti Nyuki. Scroll through the full nominees list below.
Congratulations to all nominees and best of luck to Nawi – Dear Future Me, One Woman One Bra, Boda Love, 1992 and Asanti Nyuki
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