Africa Rising International Festival

Africa Rising International Film Festival (ARIFF) is an African premier film festival which gives rise to the African voice.

The social impact inspired film Festival centers marginalized and previously disadvantaged members of society. This Pan African world class film festival formed in 2018, is consciously inclusive with an intentional focus on women, youth, people with disabilities and the LGTBQIA filmmaker community.

ARIFF is produced by leading women and youth in the South African creative industry.

ARIFF co-founders Ms. Lala Tuku and Mr. Ayanda Sithebe, Ms. Tuku who serves as the festival chairperson is a seasoned Film/TV Executive Producer and Entrepreneur. Mr. Sithebe in his capacity as Festival Director is the Founder/CEO of Actors Spaces and Casting Director.

At the heart of the festival is the exhibition of African Cinema, with a particular skew on programmes curated to address the long-standing issues of transformation within the Film and Television industry. Through our core film program, we give space to the participation of women, young people, the LGBTQI+ community and people living with disabilities as urgent storytellers of our time. To not only showcase their work but also be seen as equal participants of the Film and Television industry.

Through the various programmes we address access, opportunities, funding, training and resources while paying attention to the business and the evolving nature of the creative industry. Using ARIFF as a catalyst to networking and collaboration opportunities for filmmakers both on local and international grounds.