Uniting Cultures Through the Power of African Cinema
At the Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF), our mission goes beyond screening films—we strive to create a platform where stories from the African continent and its diaspora are celebrated, shared, and understood. Through our thoughtfully curated programs, we invite you to immerse yourself in the richness of African culture, engage with thought-provoking cinema, and contribute to meaningful dialogues that foster cultural exchange and understanding. Below, explore the core programs that make SVAFF a unique cultural experience.
It was one of the best experiences I have ever had, it was a very enlightening and enriching festival. I would definitely recommend this festival for anyone willing to have a deeper image of Africa and Africans in general.”
Nada Ibrahim
Director, Finding Me (Egypt)
Annual Film Festival
Our signature event, the Silicon Valley African Film Festival, is an annual celebration of African creativity, diversity, and storytelling. As the only California film festival exclusively dedicated to African filmmakers, SVAFF provides a rare opportunity for audiences to experience Africa’s vibrant film industry up close. Each year, we showcase a diverse lineup of films—from feature-length dramas and documentaries to animation and shorts—offering fresh perspectives on the realities, dreams, and aspirations of African people. Beyond the screenings, festival attendees can participate in filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, cultural performances, and networking events, all designed to create an immersive cultural experience.
Why Attend?
- Be the first to see groundbreaking films, with over 50% being World or North America premieres.
- Engage with filmmakers and thought leaders during post-screening discussions.
- Celebrate African culture through live performances, art exhibitions, and fashion shows.
Join us for a weekend of films, culture, and conversation that bridges communities, cultures, and continents.
African Cinema Café
The African Cinema Café is an intimate gathering space where conversations about African cinema come alive. Designed for film lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike, this program offers a relaxed yet stimulating environment to explore the themes, stories, and cultural nuances of African films. Each Café session features special guest speakers—be they filmmakers, scholars, or industry professionals—who guide conversations around the art of storytelling, the influence of African cinema globally, and the powerful role of film in addressing social issues. Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or new to African films, the African Cinema Café provides a welcoming space for reflection, learning, and connection.
Why Attend?
- Participate in enriching conversations led by film experts and creatives.
- Discover the cultural impact of African films through thoughtful discussions.
- Connect with a community of film lovers and learn more about African storytelling.
Come for the coffee, stay for the conversation—join the next African Cinema Café and deepen your appreciation for African cinema.
Africa in the Classroom
Through Africa in the Classroom, we bring the magic of African cinema into schools, offering students a chance to engage with authentic African stories. This educational outreach program is designed to spark curiosity and broaden students’ understanding of the world through film. By integrating carefully selected African films into the classroom, we help students explore themes such as diversity, identity, and global citizenship. Each screening is followed by guided discussions that encourage critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for Africa’s cultural and historical narratives. Africa in the Classroom breaks down stereotypes, allowing students to see Africa as a continent of complexity, creativity, and innovation.
Why Involve Your School?
- Expose students to global perspectives and cultural diversity through film.
- Enhance learning with thought-provoking discussions led by educators and filmmakers.
- Cultivate a new generation of global citizens who understand the richness of African cultures.
Bring Africa into your classroom and inspire the next generation of culturally aware and engaged students.
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!
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