Tips from IFFR ambassador Sethi Djegane Gueye
As a Dutch-Senegalese photographer and filmmaker, it is important to me that stories from and about Sub-Saharan Africa are seen and heard. Cinema is a powerful medium to present perspectives that often remain underexposed, and IFFR is the perfect place to discover such voices. That’s why I’m sharing a few films that will help you get to know the continent of the future better.
Ndjimu
Petna Ndaliko Katondolo | Democratic Republic of Congo, VS | 2026 | 31′
Who doesn’t love short films? Short films at IFFR bring together new voices and perspectives. Ndjimu not only offers a beautiful glimpse into a unique cultural world but also highlights a topical story in which we all indirectly play a role every day.
My Semba
Hugo Salvaterra | Angola | 2026 | 93′
My Semba makes you wonder whether the spoken poetry supports the visual poetry or vice versa. The film shows you a side of Luanda, the capital of Angola, and its inhabitants that you’ve never experienced before.
Gavagai
Ulrich Köhler | Germany, France | 2025 | 89′
Gavagai is a film that plays with language, meaning, and our attempt to understand the world. With roots in Senegal, I find it particularly special to see films that not only tell a story, but also show how stories emerge and who gets to tell them. As a filmmaker, this kind of cinema inspires me enormously, because it is a reminder that film is more than entertainment. It’s a way to capture culture, identity and new perspectives.
Art Directions
As a multi-disciplinary artist, the Art Directions programme is an essential part of IFFR for me. This is where film, visual art and new media forms come together. It’s a chance to see how contemporary makers are redefining cinema, not just through stories, but through sensory experiences, installations and visual innovation. For anyone interested in film as an art form, this is a must-see.
Club IFFR
Event | Specials
After spending hours sitting in the cinema, IFFR also offers a chance to discuss films over a drink and a dance.
