Murmures

On November 5, 2025, the Afro Film Alliance (AFA) showcased the vibrancy of African cinema during a special short film screening held at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) – Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Part of the Africa Celebrates 2025 program, the event combined professional workshops with public film screenings, creating a vital platform for emerging filmmakers from across the continent and the diaspora.

Throughout the day, filmmakers and industry professionals engaged in discussions about the future of African storytelling, distribution challenges, and creative collaboration. The evening screening presented a curated selection of short films from diverse regions of Africa, reflecting the richness and diversity of the continent’s cinematic voices.

The official selection for the Afro Film Alliance 2025 included:



Injera Ale — Asteway Mellese



The Fisherman — Yichilal Abu



Endless Echos — Fiker Gebregziaber



Quiet — Melvin Dian



Nafasi — Sudi Masomwa



Moi Ntsame, la fille des mapanes — Davina Ursela



Amel — Marwa Chkiwa



Ripples — NaDi Wata



Free to Fly



After a night of screenings and deliberation, “The Fisherman” by Yichilal Abu was awarded the Best Short Film prize of the Afro Film Alliance 2025. The announcement, celebrated by participants and media partners, marked a proud moment for Ethiopian cinema and underlined the growing influence of local filmmakers on the continental scene.

By hosting this event at UNECA’s Africa Hall, the Afro Film Alliance reaffirmed its mission to establish Addis Ababa as a continental hub for African cinema — a place where creators, investors, and audiences can connect and collaborate. For many of the participating filmmakers, the festival offered not only recognition but also new opportunities for international exposure and future collaborations.