At this year’s Locarno Film Festival, the prestigious Open Doors initiative celebrated a diverse array of cinematic voices from Africa, awarding its main prize to three standout projects. The CHF 50,000 grant, sponsored by visions sud est and the City of Bellinzona, was shared among Black Snake by Zimbabwean director Naishe Nyamubaya (CHF 25,000), Kachifo (Till the Morning Comes) by Nigerian filmmaker Dika Ofoma (CHF 20,000), and Diary of a Goat Woman by Azata Soro from Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso (CHF 5,000). Each film was praised by the jury for its originality, emotional depth, and cultural resonance. Black Snake was lauded for its powerful exploration of identity and spiritual legacy, while Kachifo impressed with its layered narrative and poetic vision. Diary of a Goat Woman was recognized for its courageous portrayal of resistance and trauma through a deeply personal lens.
Kachifo further distinguished itself by winning the ARTEKino International Award (€6,000) and the Sørfond Award, which includes participation in the Sørfond pitching event in November. The jury commended the film’s bold storytelling and its poignant depiction of love defying cultural and religious taboos in Nigeria. Meanwhile, Les Bilokos (The Bilokos), a documentary by Erickey Bahati from DR Congo and France, received the €8,000 CNC Development Grant for its compelling narrative on the resilience of former combatants rebuilding their lives in war-torn Goma. The jury highlighted the film’s ethical sensitivity and its fresh perspective on the DRC’s conflict.
Beyond the project awards, the festival recognized producers who are shaping the future of African cinema. Yannick Mizero Kabano of Imitana Productions (Rwanda) received both the Tabakalera-San Sebastian Film Festival Residency Award and the Open Doors – OIF – ACP – EU Award (€2,500) for his commitment to nurturing a national film industry through mentorship and full-cycle production support. June Wairegi of Giza Visuals (Kenya) was honored with the MECAS Award, granting her access to the International Market for Almost-Finished Films in Gran Canaria, in recognition of her bold and visionary independent projects.
Angolan producer and director Kamy Lara of Uika Filmes was doubly celebrated, receiving the Rotterdam Lab Award and the World Cinema Fund Audience Strategy Award. Her work, which spans documentaries, commercial films, and international co-productions, was praised for its artistic ambition and dedication to addressing complex societal issues. Lara’s commitment to championing female filmmakers and fostering cross-cultural dialogue through cinema made her an inspiring figure among this year’s cohort.
The Open Doors initiative continues to spotlight emerging talent from underrepresented regions, offering not only financial support but also meaningful opportunities for international collaboration and creative growth. This year’s winners reflect a vibrant tapestry of stories and voices, each contributing to a richer, more inclusive global film landscape.