WIF LA and WIFT Africa (African Women in Film and Television) have united to convene delegations of female creators from 10 African countries to the Cannes Film Festival.
In a historic first, WIFT Africa will have an official booth at the Marché du Film in Cannes, where attendees can meet delegates and learn more about the women leading film and entertainment across the continent. This brings opportunities beyond impact. Africa’s creative economy is one of the fastest growing in the world, and women are at its heart. By building the infrastructure, visibility, and global connections African women filmmakers need to succeed, WIF LA and WIFT Africa are accelerating both cultural diplomacy and an equitable and sustainable industry for generations to come.
As part of the collaboration between the two companies, seven national WIFT chapters have been launched across Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Cameroon, South Africa and Zambia. In addition, the coalition is developing new chapters that will soon be launched in Rwanda, Uganda, and Ivory Coast. Representatives from all 10 countries will make up the 2026 Cannes delegation.
WIF LA and WIFT Africa will be presenting sponsors of the Producers Network at the Marché du Film, inviting five prominent African female producers to participate. They include Shirley Frimpong-Manso (Ghana), Nicolette Ndigwe-Kalu (Nigeria), Bea Wangondu (Kenya), Bongiwe Serane (South Africa) and Alexandra Amon (Ivory Coast). Each will have direct access to global industry leaders, investors, and collaborators through a six-day Producer Network program.
Dr. Inya Lawal, Chair of WIFT Africa, said: “This is not just a delegation, it’s a declaration. Ten African countries are arriving in Cannes with a clear intention, capacity and a common agenda to redefine how African women participate in the global entertainment economy. We are no longer looking to join, we are building the table and taking the continent with us.”
“As the global film industry gathers in Cannes, it is critical that the accelerating markets of Africa and the Global South are not only represented, but recognized as leaders and agents of change,” said Andria Wilson Mirza, WIF Los Angeles International Program Director. Throughout our more than 20 years of history, we have seen the transformative impact that investing in women can have. By welcoming women producers from across the continent to the Producers Network and gathering a strong delegation under the WIFT Africa banner, we aim to achieve this goal.” It’s about creating new creative and business opportunities that have long-lasting impact. ”
The 10-country delegation represents a strong and growing network of professional women leading Africa’s film and entertainment industry, and is a direct expression of the belief that geographic breadth translates into industry strength. The seven active WIFT Africa chapters have seen years of chapter building, leadership development and industry network infrastructure. The three new chapters in Rwanda, Uganda, and Ivory Coast reflect the growing momentum of the movement and a deliberate effort to include emerging markets in the conversation now, rather than later. This announcement signals a deepening commitment by both organizations to championing the fabric of women across the entertainment industry.
Confirmed participants are WIFT Zambia branch managers and executives (Becky Ngoma, Stephanie Dale). WIFT South Africa (Athi Petela, Naiwa Sithebe); WIFT Nigeria (Adeola Kingsley James); WIFT Ghana (Juliette Ibrahim); WIFT Kenya (Njoki Muhoho); WIFT Senegal (Fatou Jupiter Toure, Aminata Diop Johnson); WIFT Cameroon (Tatapon) Producer (Shirley Frimpong Manso) at Sparrow Productions in Ghana. Blingola Media, South Africa (Bongiwe Selane); ZIV Productions, Ivory Coast (Alexandra Amon). The Bea Company Ltd, Kenya (Bea Wangondu); HB&Q Impression Studio, Nigeria (Nicolette Ndigwe Kalu). Participating ecosystem partners include DocuBox (Susan Mbogo), Africa Creative TV Program – ACTV (Dorina Amina Abubakar), Nigeria International Film Summit (NiFS), and Digital Creators Africa Academy for Microdrama – DCAA (Ifeoma ‘Oma Areh).
The Cannes Film Festival announced its lineup earlier today, with Asghar Farhadi, Pedro Almodóvar, Paweł Pawlikowski, Ira Sachs, Hirokazu Kore-eda, László Németh and Ryusuke Hamaguchi among others submitting new works in competition.
