The NBO Film Festival is set to make a major splash this October as it rolls out its sixth edition, promising one of its strongest collections of African films to date. The 10-day celebration of cinema, running from 16–26 October across Prestige Cinema, Unseen Cinema, and Kaloleni Social Hall, will open with the Kenyan documentary How to Build a Library. The film, directed by Maia Lekow and Christopher King, arrives home fresh from global acclaim, marking its Kenyan premiere after its Sundance debut earlier in the year. With more than 26 films from over 15 countries on the schedule, the festival is shaping up to be a cornerstone event for film lovers in Nairobi and beyond.
This year’s program weaves together premieres, award-winning festival titles, and a bold new competitive section. Among the five films selected for competition are Nigeria’s My Father’s Shadow, Tunisia’s Promised Sky, Ghana’s The Fisherman, and two Kenyan titles: Memory of Princess Mumbi and The Dog. The competition jury will be led by celebrated Kenyan filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu, supported by a panel of industry veterans including Elsaphan Njora, Carol Kioko and Mumbi Kaigwa. Beyond feature films, the festival is also spotlighting short films through a collaboration with Docubox and dedicating space to Afro-Latin American storytelling, broadening its cultural reach.
The reaction within Kenya’s film community has been one of excitement and pride. Many local filmmakers view the festival as an important platform for elevating East African stories to international audiences, especially with the industry program offering workshops, masterclasses, and pitch sessions for emerging talent. Festival Director Sheba Hirst emphasized the importance of amplifying African perspectives, noting that the event aims to foster exchange between filmmakers across continents while highlighting the region’s long-standing storytelling traditions. The inclusion of films touching on political resistance, social change, and heritage preservation has also resonated strongly with local audiences preparing for the event.