The inaugural Ateker International Film Festival (AIFF) is set to take place in Lodwar, Turkana, from September 2 to 6, 2025, bringing global attention to indigenous storytelling in northern Kenya.
Founded by Ateker Creatives Lab under the direction of filmmaker Artsy Solomon, the festival aims to spotlight voices from the Ateker region, which includes communities across Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia, while also welcoming international narratives.
Organisers say the festival is not only a celebration of film but also an invitation to rethink how indigenous and marginalised stories are told.
AIFF will feature film screenings, cultural showcases, masterclasses, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, positioning Lodwar as a new hub for cinema and cultural exchange.
A key partner in the first edition is Docubox, East Africa’s documentary film fund, which is supporting school and community screenings during the five-day festival. T
The collaboration underscores a commitment to expanding access to film and nurturing local audiences.
The festival received submissions earlier this year from filmmakers worldwide, with awards across a wide range of categories, including Best Turkana Film, Best Ateker Film, Best International Film, animation, experimental work, student films, music videos, and even an “AIFF Best AI Film” award, a nod to new technologies shaping cinema.
