Organised under the theme, “Frames without Borders: AI, Ethics, and the Future of Filmmaking,” the festival is expected to convene filmmakers, technology enthusiasts, industry professionals and cinema lovers to examine how emerging technologies are transforming storytelling, production and distribution across the global film industry.
A major highlight of this year’s edition is the planned participation of a 10-member diplomatic and industry delegation from the China Film Administration, led by its chairman, Mr. Bia. The visit is expected to strengthen cultural and commercial ties between Nigeria’s Nollywood and China’s film industry, opening discussions on international co-productions, distribution networks and access to new markets.
The festival’s founder, Fidelis Duker, said the event would provide an important platform for addressing the ethical implications of artificial intelligence while preserving the creative essence of filmmaking.
“For over two decades, this festival has pushed the boundaries of cinematic dialogue. As artificial intelligence fundamentally alters how we create, we must confront the ethical questions head-on. AI should be a tool that empowers the storyteller, not one that compromises the soul of the craft. This year, we are providing the definitive platform to shape that future,” Duker stated.
The emphasis on artificial intelligence comes at a time when filmmakers worldwide are grappling with questions surrounding authorship, creative ownership, the responsible use of technology and the protection of human creativity. Through its programme of screenings, masterclasses and panel discussions, AIFF 2026 aims to encourage conversations about balancing technological innovation with ethical responsibility.
Beyond the technology debate, the festival is positioning international collaboration as another major pillar of this year’s programme. The Chinese delegation is expected to participate in bilateral roundtable discussions, panel sessions and networking engagements focused on expanding cooperation between the Nigerian and Chinese film industries.
The engagements are designed to explore opportunities for joint productions, cross-border distribution and broader exchanges of expertise, potentially creating new avenues for Nigerian filmmakers seeking to reach audiences in Asia while encouraging reciprocal access to the Nigerian market for Chinese productions.
Festival Director Temitope Duker described the delegation’s visit as a significant opportunity to connect two influential film industries and translate cultural engagement into practical commercial benefits.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mr Bia and the entire Chinese delegation to Abuja. This visit represents a massive bridge between two of the world’s most vibrant film hubs. By uniting Nollywood’s raw storytelling energy with China’s expansive market infrastructure, we are creating tangible distribution and co-production opportunities that will elevate our local filmmakers onto the global stage,” she said.
The festival’s public programme will run from October 20 to 24 at Silverbird Cinemas CBD, Abuja, where audiences are expected to enjoy a diverse selection of local and international productions through all-day screenings. Organisers have also announced that admission to the festival’s primary scheduled attractions will be free, a move intended to widen public participation and make the event more accessible to the creative community and cinema enthusiasts.
In addition to film screenings, the programme will feature masterclasses and panel discussions led by industry experts. The sessions will examine filmmaking techniques, emerging technologies, the ethical application of artificial intelligence and strategies for international co-production.
The festival will begin with an exclusive opening ceremony on Tuesday, October 20, at Silverbird Cinemas CBD. The event, which is expected to attract invited guests and industry stakeholders, will be strictly by invitation.
Activities will culminate in the AIFF Award Night on Sunday, October 25, at the Banquet Hall of National Merit House in Maitama, Abuja. The closing event will recognise filmmakers, creative talents and innovative storytelling that have made notable contributions to cinema over the past year.
Anchored on the core pillars of Film, People, Ideas and Opportunities, the 23rd Abuja International Film Festival seeks to advance cultural exchange, encourage creative experimentation and strengthen the connections between technology and the arts.
With artificial intelligence reshaping established filmmaking practices and international partnerships becoming increasingly important to the movement of stories across borders, AIFF 2026 is set to provide a meeting point for conversations about the industry's future and the opportunities available to filmmakers in Nigeria and beyond.