Afrika Eye 2026

Afrika Eye returns to Bristol from 19 to 22 November 2026, with screenings spread across the city at Watershed, Cube Microplex, Trinity Centre and Bristol Beacon. It's an annual film and arts festival that's been running since 2005, and it describes itself as the South West's biggest celebration of African film, music and arts.

The core of the festival is the cinema: features, shorts and documentaries by filmmakers from Africa or with roots there. This year's selection draws from the major circuit, with films that have come through Cannes, Berlin, Venice and Tribeca. Those screenings are usually paired with post-film panel discussions and talks, so you're not just watching a movie and heading home; there's space to talk about what you've seen with other people in the room.

Beyond the cinema, the festival brings in live music, exhibitions and a weekend of workshops with international artists, performers and musicians. It's a broad mix, and the different parts happen across several days rather than all in one go. The festival was founded by Simon Bright and Ingrid Sinclair to promote the richness and diversity of Africa and its diaspora through film, education and cultural exchange. It's a non-profit, now directed by Annie Menter with support from Watershed, Bristol City Council and Arts Council England.

There's a community side to it too: the festival runs Film Africa, a community initiative with an outreach programme that works deep into local communities. Past guests have included Benjamin Zephaniah, Albie Sachs, Gary Younge and Justin Adams. The full programme for this edition hasn't been confirmed yet, but the dates are set for 19 to 22 November across Watershed, Cube Microplex, Trinity Centre and Bristol Beacon.