AILFF'26 Draws Top African Creative Voices as Gambian Poet Baboucarr Busso and Ugandan Film Journalist Kwezi Patrick Confirm Participation

The African Indigenous Language Film Festival (AILFF'26) continues to cement its reputation as one of Africa's leading cultural and creative gatherings, with acclaimed Gambian writer and poet Baboucarr E.A. Busso and renowned Ugandan film journalist Kwezi Patrick confirming their participation in this year's festival, scheduled to hold from 22–25 July 2026 in Parakou, Benin Republic.

An award-winning writer, poet, and literary critic, Baboucarr E.A. Busso is one of The Gambia's most celebrated emerging literary voices. He is the author of The Loud Whispers of Silence and the recipient of several prestigious honours, including the African Youth Award (2024) and Poet of the Year (2024). His participation reinforces AILFF's commitment to celebrating African literature, indigenous languages, and authentic storytelling.

Joining him is Kwezi Patrick, a respected entertainment journalist with Next Media Uganda, whose extensive coverage of the East African film and entertainment industry has earned him recognition across the region. His participation further highlights AILFF's growing appeal to media professionals dedicated to promoting African cinema and culture.

Welcoming both distinguished guests, Festival Director Osezua Stephen-Imobhio said:

"Africa's stories begin with the spoken and written word, and they find new life through film and the media. We are delighted to welcome Baboucarr Busso and Kwezi Patrick to AILFF'26. Their participation strengthens our vision of building a truly pan-African platform where filmmakers, writers, journalists, scholars, and cultural advocates collaborate to preserve and promote our indigenous languages and heritage."

One of the major highlights of AILFF'26 will be a two-day immersive training workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Filmmaking, hosted at the Université de Parakou, the festival's strategic academic partner. The intensive hands-on programme will equip participants with practical AI skills across every stage of the filmmaking value chain—from story ideation, script development, pre-production, production, and post-production to marketing, distribution, audience engagement, and content monetisation. The workshop is designed to prepare African filmmakers and creative professionals to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital era.

Beyond the AI workshop, AILFF'26 will feature film screenings, industry networking, cultural exchanges, and thought-provoking discussions on indigenous language preservation, digital storytelling, and the future of African cinema.

With the addition of Baboucarr Busso and Kwezi Patrick to its growing list of distinguished participants, AILFF'26 continues to position itself as one of Africa's most innovative festivals, celebrating the convergence of film, literature, journalism, technology, and indigenous culture while building lasting bridges between Africa's creative industries.