Article re-cap
- Elevate Africa announced applications are now open for the Threads of Africa Fashion Film Prize 2026, a pan-African initiative.
- The competition invites creatives across Africa to submit fashion micro-films three to five minutes in length.
- Previous winners included Adeyoola Adenusi of Adeyoola’s Rehab and Tammytara Abaku of The Abiyetara Brand, both from Nigeria.
Elevate Africa announced applications are now open for the Threads of Africa Fashion Film Prize 2026, a pan-African initiative focused on documenting and reimagining African textiles. The competition aims to address challenges within the sector including limited financing and skills gaps.
The Threads of Africa Fashion Film Prize 2026 invites creatives across Africa to submit fashion micro-films, three to five minutes in length, that tell the story of an endangered or forgotten African textile, garment, or technique. Participants must include documentary-style storytelling, visual documentation and a compelling case for revival rooted in cultural and economic relevance.
According to Princess-Iman Sado, Threads of Africa Project Lead, “Threads of Africa Fashion Film Prize is more than a competition; it is a movement to reclaim our narratives, and revive our traditions. It is our way of weaving a stronger, and better-connected Africa”. The success of the 2024 edition provided strong momentum for this year’s programme.
Previous winners included Adeyoola Adenusi of Adeyoola’s Rehab and Tammytara Abaku of The Abiyetara Brand, both from Nigeria, as well as Philip-Oppong Antwi of Phyll Quahsey from Ghana. Over 520 participants from Nigeria and other West African countries took part in the 2024 competition.
This year’s prize money has been increased to up to $25,000 in non-dilutive grants. Winners will receive mentorship, a showcase at Elevate Africa’s 2026 Convening in Ghana and amplification through the organisation’s platforms and partners.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main focus of the Threads of Africa Fashion Film Prize?
The prize focuses on documenting and reimagining African textiles through fashion micro-films; it aims to address challenges like limited financing and skills gaps within the sector, promoting a stronger and better-connected Africa.
What kind of films are filmmakers encouraged to submit?
Filmmakers should submit fashion micro-films three to five minutes long that tell the story of an endangered or forgotten African textile, garment, or technique; incorporating documentary-style storytelling and a compelling case for revival.
Where will the winners showcase their films?
Winners will receive mentorship and a showcase at Elevate Africa’s 2026 Convening in Ghana; this provides amplification through the organisation's platforms and partners, furthering their reach across Africa.
How many participants took part in the 2024 competition?
Over 520 participants from Nigeria and other West African countries took part in the 2024 competition; demonstrating significant interest in this initiative focused on African textiles.
What is the value of the prize money awarded to winners?
Winners will receive up to $25,000 in non-dilutive grants; providing crucial financial support for their projects and creative endeavors within the fashion film industry.
Which countries were represented as participants in the 2024 competition?
Nigeria and other West African countries were represented as participants in the 2024 competition; highlighting the broad reach of this pan-African initiative.
Source: africa.com
