The Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), an initiative of the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), has announced the return of its dynamic short film competition, CANEX Shorts. Now in its third edition, the competition continues to spotlight and support the next generation of African filmmakers and creatives from the diaspora.
A Platform for Emerging Talent
Open to filmmakers aged 18 to 35 from Africa, the diaspora, and the Caribbean, CANEX Shorts is designed to highlight creativity, innovation, and authentic storytelling across the continent. Entrants will compete for a $2,000 cash prize in each of three categories: Best Fiction, Best Documentary, and Best Animation.
In addition to the cash prize, winners will earn a coveted opportunity to showcase their work at CANEX at IATF2025—the continent’s largest creative economy gathering, scheduled for September 4–10, 2025, in Algiers, Algeria.
Entry Guidelines and Submission Process
Eligible filmmakers may submit only one film per person, and they must hold all rights to the work. Submitted films should have been produced in 2023 or later and must not exceed five minutes in length. Films can be in any language.
Submissions must be made via the FilmFreeway platform at https://FilmFreeway.com/CANEXShorts. A selection committee will shortlist 30 films—ten from each category—which will be reviewed by a jury composed of respected film experts from across Africa. Winners will be announced during CANEX at IATF2025.
Celebrating Excellence at CANEX WKND 2024
The recently concluded CANEX WKND 2024 revealed the winners of the previous edition of the Shorts competition. Silent Screams by Esenaga Mbwe (Botswana) took home Best Fiction; We Shall Not Forget by Brian Obra (Kenya) was awarded Best Documentary; and Room-5 by Francis Y. Brown (Ghana) earned Best Animation. Two films also received special mentions—Vodoun Nouminssin and Rain Is Not the Cloud’s Last Parade—reflecting the jury’s appreciation for the remarkable quality of entries.
A Broader Stage for the Creative Economy
Beyond recognition, CANEX Shorts provides filmmakers with access to a broader creative and commercial ecosystem. The IATF2025 event will host creatives, policymakers, financial institutions, investors, and leading voices from the cultural sector—including those in music, fashion, culinary arts, sports, and visual arts. It’s a rare convergence of art and enterprise that promises collaboration, investment, and long-term growth opportunities.
A Vision for Africa’s Creative Future
Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank, emphasized the Bank’s commitment to cultural industries, noting that Africa’s film industry is valued at over $5 billion. “We are committed to unlocking this immense value by supporting platforms like CANEX Shorts that aim to propel African storytelling to the global stage,” Awani said. “By investing in our creatives, we are not only creating jobs and economic opportunities; we’re actively ensuring Africa’s vibrant culture and talents gain global recognition.”