Lagos is heading to Cannes not physically, but through in-development projects for the 2026 edition of “Goes to Cannes”, taking place from May 15–18, 2026, as one of the festival’s city partners for the new edition. After a tease by Chioma Ude during an AFRIFF press conference in 2025, the announcement has now been officially confirmed by the Marché du Film, the official film market of the Festival de Cannes.
At the showcase, Lagos will be represented by the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF). The selected producers include Nigerian filmmakers Emil Garuba (To Adaego With Love), Dolly Ifeyinwa Nwadialo (aka Dolly Nwaduba), Lilian Amah-Aluko (Co-Founder Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution); Rwandan producer Hakym Reagan (The Stairs); and South African producer Valencia Joshua.
AFRIFF, which launched its own film market, AFRIFF Film and Content Market (AFCM) in 2025 which was held between 3rd – 6th November, selected five projects from a pitching initiative, represented by the producers who will now carry Lagos’ presence to “Goes to Cannes. Chioma Ude, founder of AFRIFF, said on Instagram: “Among the various activities, sales, and pitches conducted by AFCM, five films were selected. These films will proudly be represented at the Marché du Cannes. Impact continues to be the soul of the festival and now the film market, AFCM”.
The programme will take place at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes and will provide a platform for selected projects to be presented within the Marché du Film. These projects will be pitched to distributors, sales agents and festival programmers, with one project set to receive a €10,000 minimum guarantee award from Sideral Cinema.
Other 2026 festival city partners of “Goes to Cannes” include Adelaide (Australia), Hong Kong, Montevideo (Uruguay), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Tallinn (Estonia) and Tokyo (Japan).
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