JALI FILM WEEKENDER

The second edition of Jali Film Weekender will run between 28 October – 1 November 2026, showcasing bold and distinctive filmmaking from Africa and the diaspora. Returning to Filmhouse, we recently announced our opening and closing films, and special focus programme.

The 2026 Weekender will open on 28 October with DEAR AJAYI from Damilola Orimogunje, the first ever Nigerian film to be selected at Venice Film Festival’s Giornate degli Autori. Set in southwestern Nigeria in the 1990s, the film explores grief, faith, ambition and the fragile bonds of family as two sisters search for love, purpose and freedom.

The festival will close on 1 November with Auguste Bernard Kouemo Yanghu's HOUSE OF THE WIND, also having its world premiere in Venice in September. Set in Yaoundé, the film follows 80-year-old Josette, whose children have all left for the West. Hoping to draw them home, she encourages them to build houses in Cameroon, but forms an unexpected bond with Sarah, a young woman from her neighbourhood.

In addition, the 2026 Weekender will also present SPOTLIGHT: GERAÇÃO 80, a special focus on the acclaimed Angolan film collective and production company Geração 80, supported by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation UK Branch’s Gulbenkian Exhibitions Fund. The programme will include the UK Premiere of Hugo Salvaterra’s MY SEMBA (MEU SEMBA), with the collective in attendance at the festival in Edinburgh to present the work.

Lots of updates and announcements to come. Be the first to hear more! Sign up to our mailing list to get updates on the full Jali Film Weekender 2026 programme, including feature films, shorts, Extended Reality experiences, Q&As, talks and more.

Jali Film Weekender 2026 is supported by Screen Scotland, Film Hub Scotland (part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, awarding funding on behalf of Screen Scotland and the BFI National Lottery) and Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation UK Branch as well as other partners.