The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has appealed to governments, corporate organisations, development partners and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to support the maiden African Children’s Film Festival 2026, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in nurturing the next generation of African filmmakers and storytellers.
The appeal was made on Tuesday in Abuja during the official unveiling of the festival.
Speaking at the unveiling, the National President of the AGN, Abubakar Yakubu, said the initiative would provide a platform for children to discover and develop their creative talents while promoting authentic African culture, values, and identity.
Yakubu said the guild was seeking sponsorships and partnerships to ensure the success of the festival, which aims to create a safe and enabling environment for children to express themselves through filmmaking.
“We need lovers of children. We are calling on ministries, agencies, non-governmental organisations and industry players to key into this vision and make a safe haven for our children to grow,” he said.
He stressed that African children required proper mentorship to tell authentic stories rooted in their cultures instead of merely copying content circulating on social media.
“There must be an element that promotes your culture, your tradition and your beliefs, not what you see on social media.
“We will ensure they are properly mentored to follow professional guidelines and produce stories that are truly ours, not borrowed stories,” Yakubu said.
According to him, the festival is designed primarily to nurture creativity rather than generate commercial returns, adding that film could be a powerful tool for education, entertainment and social development.
“The immediate goal is not to make money. It is to help children express their creativity in positive ways that educate and inspire people.
“Through the festival, we will begin to explore the limitless creativity of our children and shape the future of Nigeria’s film industry.
“You will be amazed by the ideas children have in making films,” he added.
Also speaking, the Director of the African Children’s Film Festival, Beth Ogbuefi, described the initiative as a movement that places children at the centre of storytelling and cultural expression across Africa.
She said the festival, themed “Our Stories, Our Lens, Our Voices,” is open to children of African heritage between the ages of five and 18, regardless of where they reside.
According to Ogbuefi, African children should no longer be seen merely as consumers of content but as creators whose stories deserve global recognition.
“Our theme this year captures the very essence of what ACFF stands for. It is a declaration that African children are not just passive audiences but active creators.
“They have stories to tell, perspectives to share and voices that deserve to be heard on the global stage.
“For too long, the narrative of African children has been shaped by others. ACFF exists to change that,” she said.
She explained that the festival would encourage participants to write scripts, direct films and explore animation and digital storytelling while benefiting from mentorship, workshops and masterclasses.
“This festival is not only about screenings and awards. It is about mentorship, workshops and masterclasses that equip children with lifelong creative skills.
“It is also about cultural showcases that celebrate Africa’s rich diversity,” Ogbuefi said.
She added that registration for the festival would be free to encourage broad participation by children and schools across Africa and the diaspora, while appealing to governments, corporate organisations and development partners to support the initiative through sponsorships and strategic partnerships.