Thank You for Celebrating African Cinema with Us!
We are so grateful to everyone who made the 15th Annual Silicon Valley African Film Festival a success! From filmmakers to attendees, your energy and passion for African cinema shone brightly. Save the date for next year’s festival, October 9-12, 2025. We can’t wait to share more unforgettable films with you.
SOULEYMANE CISSÉ | 1940 – 2025
The Silicon Valley African Film Festival family is sad to announce the passing of our 2024 Cultural Icon Award recipient, the legendary and beloved Malian film director, Souleymane Cissé.
Regarded as one of the first generation of African filmmakers, Souleymane Cissé was often called ‘Africa’s greatest living filmmaker’ and ‘the greatest African film director ever made.’
Souleymane Cissé honored us with his electrifying presence in October and touched our hearts with his humility, grace, and rich legacy.
Dear Souleymane Cissé:
We thank you for your courage, vision, sacrifice, and rich legacy of telling African stories from the African perspective to the entire world.
As you rest now among the ancestors, know that we carry your beautiful spirit with us. We remain grateful.
May God grant your beautiful soul eternal rest!
FADE OUT!
SVAFF 2024 Awards
2024 Cultural Icon Award
Presented to:
JULIE DASH
Silicon Valley African Film Festival
2024 Cultural Icon Award
Presented to:
JOHN KANI
Silicon Valley African Film Festival
2024 Cultural Icon Award
Presented to:
SOULEYMANE CISSE (1940 – 2025)
Silicon Valley African Film Festival
2024 Cultural Icon Award
Presented to:
RICHARD MOFE-DAMIJO
Silicon Valley African Film Festival
2024 Trailblazer Award
Presented to:
OZIE NZERIBE
Silicon Valley African Film Festival
SAVE THE DATE
October 9-12, 2025
Join us for the 16th Silicon Valley African Film Festival
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SVAFF in the Press
Chike Nwoffiah Advocates for Decolonizing African Storytelling, Calls for Cultural Authenticity
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SVAFF 2024: Seven Powerful Stories by Women
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Upcoming Programs
African Cinema Cafe
Explore the Magic of Film: Join Our Year-Round African Cinema Series
Africa in the Classroom
Discover African Culture and History with Our Classroom Film Initiative!
Annual Film Festival
Join us again from October 9-12, 2025 for the next SVAFF
How to support our festival
In addition to attending the festival, there are other ways you can support our mission and be a part of this journey. You can become a sponsor, partner, or volunteer, and help us bring this amazing event to more people. By partnering with us, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the growth and success of the festival.
We truly appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you to our festival. If you have any further feedback or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are always looking for ways to improve and make the festival an even better experience for everyone.
Thank you for your support!