African Film Festival Returns To Dallas Amid World Cup Spotlight

The African Film Festival (TAFF) will return to Dallas for its 11th edition later this month, coinciding with the global attention generated by the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

Scheduled for 18–20 June at The Royal Palace in Addison, Texas, the festival will bring together filmmakers, artists and audiences from across Africa and the diaspora, with organisers hoping to capitalise on the increased international interest surrounding the World Cup.

Founded in 2015, TAFF has grown into a recognised platform for showcasing African cinema outside the continent. This year’s edition will feature 26 selected films, including narrative features, documentaries, short films and documentary shorts from countries across Africa, Europe and the Americas.

Among the films selected are Nigeria’s Journey to Igbo Civilization, directed by Oluchukwu Iheonunekwu, Lions’ Den by Victor Nchee Okpala, and Tiger’s Tail, also directed by Okpala. Other entries include Uganda’s Adui, directed by Ayeny T. Steve, and South Africa’s Repercussions.

Festival founder Kelechi Eke said the event was created to provide a platform for authentic African stories and to connect filmmakers from the continent and the diaspora with international audiences.

In addition to film screenings, the programme will include panel discussions, masterclasses, networking sessions, arts exhibitions and an awards ceremony celebrating achievements in African filmmaking.

Organisers have also incorporated live screenings of selected World Cup matches into the festival schedule, reflecting the unique overlap between the tournament and this year’s event.

Over the past decade, TAFF has become an important meeting point for independent African filmmakers, helping to broaden the reach of African storytelling and foster collaboration across borders.

As Dallas welcomes football supporters from around the world during the World Cup period, the festival is expected to provide an additional cultural platform highlighting the diversity and creativity of African cinema.

The three-day event will conclude with its traditional awards ceremony, recognising outstanding productions and talents from this year’s selection of films.