The Locarno Film Festival’s Open Doors Screenings program has chosen five short films from Senegal, Kenya, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Angola to compete for the African Film Press Critics Prize, marking the first time the award will be presented outside Africa. The films will screen during the festival’s 79th edition, running August 5 to 10, 2026, with the winner receiving a $500 cash prize, official certification, and ongoing editorial support. The lineup includes Fagamou Fama Ndiaye’s documentary on Dakar’s urban transformation, Pocas Pascoal’s experimental exploration of colonialism’s environmental legacy in Angola, Judy Kibinge’s supernatural thriller “Goat,” Rediet Haddis Yalew’s look at Ethiopian youth culture, and Ariel Añez’s war-drama debut “Submergido.” The five directors will also participate in the Open Doors Directors hub, a mentorship initiative focused on professional development and global networking. The five films form part of a broader lineup featuring 13 productions from 12 African countries, reflecting Locarno’s continued commitment to showcasing emerging African filmmaking talent.
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