The Afreximbank Creative Africa Nexus programme (CANEX) short film competition 2026

The Afreximbank Creative Africa Nexus programme (CANEX) short film competition 2026 invites young filmmakers in Africa and the diaspora to submit short films for a chance to win cash prizes and attend a major industry event in Lagos.

What it offers

• Three prizes of $2,000 cash each for Best Fiction, Best Documentary, and Best Animation.
• Fully funded trip to Lagos, Nigeria for the award ceremony and film screenings at CANEX WKND 2026 (5–8 November 2026).
• Flights and accommodation covered for winners.

Who can apply

• Young filmmakers from Africa and the diaspora.
• Must be aged 18–35 at the time of making the film and at submission.
• Films must be no longer than 5 minutes and made in 2024 or after.

What you'll do

• Submit a short film in any language (subtitled in English if not in English).
• Ensure you own all rights to the film, including music, with supporting documentation.
• Provide a digital link to the film in your submission.
• Only one film per filmmaker is allowed.

How to apply

• Submit via the official webpage (link provided in the source).
• Application opens 4 May 2026 and closes 30 June 2026.

Good to know

• Winners will have their films screened at CANEX WKND 2026.
• Notification of winners will be sent 1 September 2026.