African Film Press (AFP), an alliance of independent film platforms across the continent, has announced the introduction of the AFP Critics Prize, a new award aimed at amplifying African critical voices within film festivals.

Inspired by the globally renowned FIPRESCI Prize, the AFP Critics Prize will make its debut at the Surreal16 Film Festival (S16), set to take place in Lagos in December 2025.

According to AFP, the initiative is designed to enhance visibility for African film critics, strengthen festival culture, and elevate public discourse around African cinema.

For the maiden edition, the winning film will be chosen by AFP’s three founding editors — Tambay Obenson of Akoroko, Jennifer Ochieng of Sinema Focus, and Ikeade Oriade of What Kept Me Up. In future editions, the jury will be expanded to include a wider pool of critics across Africa and the diaspora.

The award will feature a cash prize, a trophy, and a certificate.

AFP co-founder, Tambay Obenson, described the initiative as a significant step in positioning African critics at the heart of festival culture.

“We see the AFP Critics Prize as an important step in centering African critical voices in festival culture, while also creating visibility and recognition for filmmakers on the continent. Surreal16 was the natural place to begin. The timing aligned, and their focus on bold, independent storytelling made it the right partner for launching the prize,” he said.

Similarly, filmmaker and Surreal16 co-founder CJ ‘Fiery’ Obasi expressed excitement about the collaboration.

“We’re excited the inaugural AFP Critics Prize will be presented at Surreal16. From the beginning, our festival has been about creating space for risk-taking and originality, and partnering with African Film Press ensures African critics are part of shaping that conversation,” Obasi stated.

Founded in 2024 with support from the German agency GIZ and private backers, AFP unites three established platforms: Akoroko (pan-African and global focus), Sinema Focus (Kenya and East Africa), and What Kept Me Up (Nigeria and Anglophone West Africa). The alliance is set to launch its Southern Africa chapter in September 2025.

Looking ahead, AFP intends to present the Critics Prize at four African film festivals annually, starting with Surreal16 this year.

The Surreal16 Film Festival, founded by Nigerian filmmakers Obasi, Abba Makama, and Michael Omonua, has built a strong reputation for bold curation and enjoys support from institutions such as the French and Dutch embassies, the Goethe-Institut, and Sterling Bank.

Notably, Obasi’s film Mami Wata won the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Cinematography at Sundance in 2023 and was Nigeria’s official entry for the 2024 Oscars.