New York, NY – Under the theme “Fluid Horizons: A Shifting Lens on a Hopeful World,” the 32nd New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) opened at Lincoln Center tonight with a powerful tribute to Africa’s cinematic revolutionaries—both past and present. This year’s festival honors the resilience of African youth wielding cameras as tools of liberation, while celebrating the trailblazers who paved their way.
Since 1993, NYAFF has amplified African and diaspora voices through groundbreaking cinema. Founder Mahen Bonetti reflected on the festival’s legacy:
“The fact that we’re here after 32 years…we must be doing something right for the ancestors, and working on their behalf as well.”
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Bonetti praised this year’s “bounty of new artists” alongside returning veterans, including one filmmaker whose journey began with a short film 32 years ago—now back with a feature. With over 100 films screening through May 31, the festival bridges generations of African creativity.
The U.S. premiere of Nigerian director Afolabi Olalekan’s Freedom Way—the festival’s first-ever Nigerian opening film—set the tone with its searing portrait of systemic injustice. The interwoven drama follows a Lagos motorcyclist drawn into a dangerous underworld of police corruption after losing his livelihood, while a doctor struggles with his conscience on the job while battling outdated government policies. A police pair find themselves on different sides of the law with a difficult choice to make, and three young co-founders struggle to keep their startup alive.
“These stories expose how broken systems crush ordinary Nigerians,” Olalekan explained. Written by Blessing Uzzi, the film lays bare the ripple effects of failed governance. If you missed the opening night premiere, you have a chance to see it again on May 9 & 12. Tickets at filmlinc.org.
Festival Highlights
Screenings continue through May 31 at:
- Lincoln Center May (7 – 13)
- Maysles Documentary Center (May 15 – 18)
- Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Brooklyn (May 23- 29)
- St. Nicholas Park – Outdoor Screening (May 31)
Follow us on social to see highlights from opening night.
