Afreximbank has opened applications for the 4th edition of CANEX Shorts 2026, giving young African filmmakers a major opportunity to showcase their work on an international stage and connect with top creatives, investors and industry leaders.
The competition, organised through the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme, is designed to support emerging filmmakers from Africa, the Caribbean and the Diaspora. Selected films will be screened during CANEX WKND 2026, which will take place in Lagos, Nigeria from November 5 to November 8, 2026.
According to the organisers, CANEX WKND 2026 will feature masterclasses, exhibitions, business deal rooms, networking opportunities and conversations focused on Africa’s growing creative industry. The short film competition has now become one of the major highlights leading up to the event.
Young filmmakers between the ages of 18 and 35 are eligible to apply. Applicants must submit a short film that is no longer than five minutes. Films entered into the competition must have been produced in 2024 or later.
The competition is open in three categories which include Fiction, Documentary and Animation. Winners will be selected by a respected jury panel and each category winner will receive a $2,000 cash prize, an official CANEX award and the opportunity to have their film screened during CANEX WKND 2026 in Lagos.
In addition to the cash reward and screening opportunity, selected winners will also receive VIP industry access during the event. Organisers confirmed that flights and accommodation for winners invited to the event will be fully covered.
The organisers also stated that filmmakers must own all rights to their submitted films, including music rights and supporting documentation where necessary. Films submitted in languages other than English must include English subtitles.
Only one film submission is allowed per filmmaker, while entrants are also expected to have a bank account capable of receiving international payments.
Applications officially opened on May 4, 2026 and submissions will close on June 30, 2026. All entries are to be submitted through FilmFreeway.
Interested filmmakers can apply here: https://filmfreeway.com/CANEXShorts.
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