AISFM 2026
Introducing AISFM 2026: Africa’s Dedicated Short Film Market Platform
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The African International Short Film Market (AISFM) will launch its inaugural edition on April 29–30, 2026 as a hybrid industry platform designed to strengthen the business and circulation of African short films. Delivered by The Filmjoint, AISFM is structured as a marketplace connecting filmmakers with buyers, programmers, platforms, and funding stakeholders across the continent and beyond. The 2026 edition will take place over two days: • April 29 – Virtual Market Access • April 30 – Physical Industry Convening at CcHub, Lagos AISFM moves beyond festival selection, focusing instead on distribution pathways, licensing opportunities, strategic partnerships, and long-term market positioning for short-form content. |
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The following activities will be taking place; ● Buyer–Filmmaker Connections ● Structured Pitch Sessions ● Masterclasses & Workshops ● Distribution & Licensing Conversations ● Deal Room & Curated Screenings ● Speed Networking Registration opens on February 28. More announcements are coming soon. For enquiries, contact: [email protected], [email protected] www.aisfm.org |
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🎟 AISFM 2026 Badge Categories
- Observer Pass (Grey): For people who just want to attend. Provides limited, observational access only—no pitching, deal rooms, or curated match-ups.
- Market Delegate (Yellow): For emerging filmmakers or industry enthusiasts who want broader access to conversations, panels, workshops, and networking opportunities.
- Seller (Red): For filmmakers bringing short films to sell or distribute. Includes access to pitch projects, co-production and funding opportunities, and all market activities. Focused on business opportunities and visibility.
- Buyer (Gold): For distributors, platforms, and programmers looking to acquire, finance, or develop African short films. Includes access to deal rooms, curated sessions, and the seller catalogue.
- Exhibitor (Black): For companies or organizations showcasing services, products, or initiatives during the market. Includes booth space and full access to market activities.
ACCESS & ACTIVITIES |
OBSERVER PASS (Grey) FREE |
MARKET DELEGATE (Yellow) N10,000 |
SELLER (Red) N30,000 |
BUYER (Gold) N25,000 |
EXHIBITOR (Black) N100,000 |
Screening |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Panel Sessions |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Workshops & Masterclasses |
Selected Workshops |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Networking Lounge |
-- |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Pitch Sessions |
-- |
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✔ |
View Only |
View Only |
Deal Room |
-- |
-- |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Curated Match-Ups |
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-- |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Project Listing in Digital Market Guide |
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✔ |
Company Listing |
Company Listing |
Booth Space |
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✔ |
How to get a badge:
- Click on the Get Your Badge Here
- Select your badge type and make payment
- Click on the redirection link after payment (if you're not automatically redirected)
- Complete your registration by filling your preferred badge form
Screenings
Curated showcase of selected African short films. Open to accredited delegates. Includes post-screening conversations where applicable.
Panel Sessions
Moderated industry discussions featuring distributors, programmers, producers, and market experts addressing trends, financing, acquisition, and the business of short films.
Workshops / Masterclasses
Practical, skill-based sessions led by industry professionals focused on distribution strategy, pitching, packaging, monetisation, and market positioning.
Networking Lounge
Designated space for informal industry engagement. Open access for accredited delegates to facilitate conversations and introductions.
Pitch Sessions
Structured presentation sessions where selected Seller Delegates present their short film projects to attending buyers, distributors, and programmers.
(Participation may be subject to project review.)
Deal Room
A semi-structured meeting space designed for focused one-on-one or small group conversations between sellers and buyers.
Access limited to relevant badge categories.
Curated Match-Ups
A limited, pre-selected matchmaking initiative where a small number of Seller projects are paired with attending distributors or platforms for private, pre-scheduled meetings.
Selection-based. Not guaranteed for all sellers.
Project Listing in Market Guide
Inclusion of Seller projects in the official AISFM digital market catalogue, featuring project details and contact information shared with attending buyers and delegates.
Booth Space
Designated exhibition area for companies or organisations to showcase services, initiatives, or products during the physical market convening.
Includes visibility within the market venue and official materials.
Curated showcase of selected African short films. Open to accredited delegates. Includes post-screening conversations where applicable.
Panel Sessions
Moderated industry discussions featuring distributors, programmers, producers, and market experts addressing trends, financing, acquisition, and the business of short films.
Workshops / Masterclasses
Practical, skill-based sessions led by industry professionals focused on distribution strategy, pitching, packaging, monetisation, and market positioning.
Networking Lounge
Designated space for informal industry engagement. Open access for accredited delegates to facilitate conversations and introductions.
Pitch Sessions
Structured presentation sessions where selected Seller Delegates present their short film projects to attending buyers, distributors, and programmers.
(Participation may be subject to project review.)
Deal Room
A semi-structured meeting space designed for focused one-on-one or small group conversations between sellers and buyers.
Access limited to relevant badge categories.
Curated Match-Ups
A limited, pre-selected matchmaking initiative where a small number of Seller projects are paired with attending distributors or platforms for private, pre-scheduled meetings.
Selection-based. Not guaranteed for all sellers.
Project Listing in Market Guide
Inclusion of Seller projects in the official AISFM digital market catalogue, featuring project details and contact information shared with attending buyers and delegates.
Booth Space
Designated exhibition area for companies or organisations to showcase services, initiatives, or products during the physical market convening.
Includes visibility within the market venue and official materials.