From July 29 – August 3, 2024, Accra Indie Filmfest (AIF) organized the 6th edition of its festival dedicated to independent short films. Founded by Evan Eghan in 2021, the non-profit organization is on a mission to provide a platform for emerging indie filmmakers to explore their artistry through education, funding, and networking.

The 2024 edition included a closed-door-pitch session featuring 9 innovative projects presented by talented filmmakers.  The judging panel was composed of the following industry professionals:

Claire Diao: Film Critic distributor

Tony Asankomah: Film Critic

Daphne Atsuste: Filmmaker

After an extensive review of the projects, Akosua-Asamoabea Ampofo’s Martha emerged as the winning pitch. This victory secures her a unique opportunity to present her project at Talent Connexion during the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in France in February 2025. The program at Clermont-Ferrand, the world’s largest short film festival, offers a critical platform for emerging talents to showcase their project to industry professionals and network with peers globally. Akosua’s  film follows the story of a young football enthusiast who gets her first period and faces “the dilemma of staying true to herself and her football passions or meeting grandmother’s expectations for her incoming womanhood."

In the spirit of celebrating industry craft and talent, AIF also hosted an award ceremony during the week-long program. The award recipients include:

Best Animation: From the Top, RichFarris – United Kingdom

Best Documentary: Enchukunoto, TheReturn, Laissa  Malih – Kenya

Best Student Film: Rule of the Thumb, Delanyo Sabblah - Ghana

Best Music Film: Cats. Why do We NeedThem, Liudmila Komrakova - Russia

Best Actor: Kobina Amissah-Sam, NyameMma - Ghana

Best Actress: Una Ni Bhriain, Tethered - Ireland

Best JuvenilePerformance: Ellis Hobbs, Superman Doesn’t Steal

Best Production Design Award: Kevin O’Brien, Katele (Mudskipper) - Australia

Best Director: Adam Zurawiecki, CookieBox - Malta

Best Narrative Film: Salif Cissé, Alliés  - France

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The festival also featured a variety of other activities including film screenings, industry conversations, masterclasses, art exhibitions, and, a concert.  As continues to grow, it remains a cornerstone for independent filmmakers in Africa and beyond, offering a vibrant space for creativity and innovation.