17th Annual Celebration
Experience Africa
through the
African Lens
October 8–11, 2026 · Silicon Valley, CA
17th Annual · October 8–11, 2026
2026 Official Selections
76 films · 37+ countries · Stories that shape how Africa sees, and is seen.
Celebrating 17 Years of African Cinema
The Silicon Valley African Film Festival is the Bay Area's premier showcase for African and African diaspora storytelling. For 17 years we have created space for voices that reshape how the world sees Africa — on screen and in conversation.
About SVAFFGet Involved
There are many ways to be part of SVAFF 2026
Volunteer
Join our crew and help bring the festival to life. Roles available across all areas.
Apply to volunteer →Vendor
Bring your food, craft, or merchandise to our festival marketplace. Applications now open.
Apply as vendor →Support SVAFF
Your contribution sustains African cinema in the Bay Area and keeps SVAFF free and accessible.
Donate via Ubuntu Circles →Year-Round Programming
Beyond the Festival
SVAFF brings African cinema into communities and classrooms throughout the year — not just in October.
Monthly · Year-Round
African Cinema Café
A monthly community outreach initiative bringing African films to intimate spaces — cafés, libraries, community centres — with facilitated dialogue and panel discussions. We use film as a vehicle to inspire, challenge, and catalyse change.
Find out more →Schools & Educators · Bay Area
Africa in the Classroom
Our school engagement programme brings curriculum-related African films to local elementary, middle, and high schools. SVAFF facilitators present films and engage students in conversations — drawing from a library of over 500 African films.
Find out more →