Applications are now open for the 2026 Afreximbank CANEX short film competition. Afreximbank, through its Creative Africa Nexus programme (CANEX), is excited to announce the 4th edition of CANEX Shorts.
This is a short film competition for young filmmakers in Africa and the diaspora. CANEX Shorts has been established in order to further engage with the film community ahead of CANEX WKND 2026. CANEX WKND 2026 will once again host an engaging and exciting programme of creative industry conversations, masterclasses, deal rooms, markets and exhibitions and more.
CANEX Shorts is a short film competition that will culminate in screenings and an award ceremony at CANEX WKND 2026, taking place in Lagos, Nigeria, from 5 to 8 November 2026.
Eligibility:
- The competition is open to Africans living on the continent and in the diaspora
- Films must be no longer than 5 minutes in length.
- The filmmaker must currently be between the ages of 18 – 35. The film must have been made in 2024 or after and at the time of making the film the filmmaker must have been between the ages of 18-35. Substantiation may be requested.
- The filmmaker must own all rights – including music and must have supporting documentation
- Films can be in any language but those not in English, must be subtitled in English
- A digital link to the film must be provided in the submission
- Only one film per filmmaker
Awards and Prizes
- CANEX Shorts will award 3 prizes based on the selection of a well-known and respected jury.
- Each winner will receive a cash prize of $2000 and have their film screened at CANEX WKND 2026 and be invited to the event. Flights and accommodation to be paid for.
- Best Fiction
- Best Documentary
- Best Animation
Application Timeline
- May 4, 2026: Opening Date
- June 30, 2026: Regular Deadline
- September 1, 2026: Notification Date
- November 5 – 8, 2026
For more information, visit here