This year marks a major milestone for Washington University’s African Film Festival. Founded by Wilmetta Toliver‑Diallo, with 2026 comes two decades of bringing the depth and diversity of African cinema to St. Louis audiences. What began in 2006 as a modest effort to share films from across the continent has grown into a beloved cultural event—one that celebrates African storytelling in all its complexity.
“Before I came to St. Louis, I had done some small festivals,” Toliver‑Diallo said. “But I was particularly interested in bringing African voices to the United States so everyone could experience them.”
A native of Tupelo, Mississippi, Toliver‑Diallo eventually returned to Washington University as a professor after completing a post‑doctoral fellowship there a few years earlier. She brought that vision back with her, determined to widen the reach of African cinema for American audiences.
From the beginning, she envisioned the festival as a bridge—using film to introduce audiences to cultures, histories, and perspectives they may never encounter otherwise. “Having visual images for people who might have never been to the continent has always been a goal,” she said. Embedding African history and culture into education was equally important.
By its fifth year, the festival expanded to include a youth matinee—now the “matinee for all ages”—spotlighting animated films and young protagonists. Toliver‑Diallo saw it as a way to nurture emerging filmmakers and encourage creativity. “Animation is such a growing field in Africa, especially in places like South Africa and Kenya,” she said. “There’s a huge need for support, so I wanted to encourage young filmmakers to keep telling their stories.”
The festival’s audience has always been a blend of students, community members, and film professionals. But Toliver‑Diallo says the community remains its foundation. “Many of the people who came to the first festival are still coming back,” she said. “Some have attended all 20 years—and it’s always heartwarming to see them year after year.”
The impact has been far‑reaching. Attendees often tell her the festival introduced them to films they would never find elsewhere. Some were inspired to study film. “I met a young lady who came as a child, and she said it inspired her to pursue a career in film,” Toliver‑Diallo recalled.
Filmmakers also value the festival’s intimate atmosphere. “They love that our festival is not like the big New York or Toronto festivals,” she said. “They enjoy the genuineness of staying to chat with the audience, answering questions, and sharing experiences.” Those conversations often spark cross‑cultural collaborations and help filmmakers expand their reach.
This year’s lineup continues the tradition of exploring themes like family, resistance, and identity, with a particular focus on young women navigating societal expectations. Films from Sudan and Morocco examine how women challenge tradition and capitalism in pursuit of autonomy.
For its 20th anniversary, the festival is adding new programming, including a special screening of “My Father’s Shadow” by Nigerian director Akinola Davies—the first Nigerian film to win an award at Cannes. Davies recently earned a British Academy Award as well.
The festival will also host a film intensive led by director Ekwa Msangi, whose work has appeared on Netflix and American Airlines. “Ekwa will lead a workshop on writing, producing, and distributing films,” Toliver‑Diallo said. “It’s a rare opportunity to learn from someone with real industry success.”
The festival remains free and open to the public, running March 27–29 at 7 p.m. in Brown Hall on the Washington University campus.
As it celebrates two decades, the African Film Festival stays rooted in its mission: bridging cultures, uplifting emerging filmmakers, and offering audiences a deeper understanding of Africa’s richness and complexity.
“Film has the power to change perceptions,” Toliver‑Diallo said. “I hope this festival has helped people see Africa in a fuller, more nuanced way.”
Washington University’s 20th Annual African Film Festival takes place from March 27 – March 29 in Brown Hall on the campus of Washington University. For more information, visit https://africanfilm.wustl.edu.
Living It content is produced with funding by the ARPA for the Arts grants program in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and the Community Development Administration.
