AILFF’26: Festival Unveils Power-Packed Programme as Trailblazing Drone Pilot Shemmy Leads Drone Piloting Workshop

Lagos, Nigeria — Organisers of the African Indigenous Language Film Festival (AILFF’26) have unveiled a dynamic and power-packed programme for its 3rd edition, setting the stage for a landmark celebration of indigenous African storytelling and industry innovation.

Scheduled to hold from July 22 to 25, 2026, the festival will bring together filmmakers, creatives, and culture enthusiasts for an engaging blend of professional training, networking, film screenings, and social experiences—further reinforcing AILFF’s growing influence across the continent. Notably, AILFF’26 is also collaborating with the Asha Yorùbá Festival, a heritage and cultural festival in Benin Republic set to commence on July 20, creating a broader cultural showcase that celebrates African identity, tradition, and creativity.

A major highlight of this year’s programme is the inclusion of renowned Nigerian cinematographer and drone pilot, Priscilla Rautha “Shemmy” Tanko, who will lead a two-day Drone Piloting Workshop. This hands-on training will equip participants with practical skills in aerial cinematography, alongside certification—an increasingly essential competency in today’s evolving film landscape.

Widely regarded as one of the first female Nigerian, drone pilot, Shemmy’s participation underscores the festival’s commitment to innovation, capacity building, and inclusivity. Her journey from child actor to accomplished cinematographer continues to inspire a new generation of filmmakers, particularly women embracing technology-driven storytelling.

Festival organisers note that her involvement forms part of a broader strategy to empower indigenous creatives with modern filmmaking tools while preserving authentic African narratives.

Beyond the drone workshop, AILFF’26 will feature a comprehensive lineup of capacity-building sessions, including a two-day Subtitle and Dubbing Workshop aimed at enhancing the accessibility and global reach of indigenous films, a Digital Filmmaking in the Age of AI workshop focused on contemporary production techniques, and a Marketing and Distribution Workshop designed to help filmmakers successfully navigate the business side of cinema.

The festival will also deliver a rich cultural experience, with activities such as a vibrant Welcome Party, curated networking sessions, a guided tour of the host city—Parakou, Benin Republic—and film screenings showcasing compelling stories told in diverse African languages.

The event will culminate in a prestigious Awards Ceremony recognising excellence in indigenous filmmaking, government institutions, corporate and private entities that support the film industry, to be followed by a lively Closing Party celebrating creativity, collaboration, and cultural pride.

Over the years, AILFF has evolved into a vital hub for cultural exchange and professional development—bridging gaps across African film industries, promoting linguistic diversity, and empowering storytellers to share authentic narratives with global audiences.

With a compelling programme now unveiled, strengthened by its collaboration with the Asha Yorùbá Festival, and growing anticipation around its headline events, AILFF’26 is set to deliver a memorable and impactful experience while advancing the future of indigenous cinema on the global stage.

For participation and sponsorship, contact: ailfffilmfestival@gmail.com