The Observatory

The African Short Film Observatory (ASFO) is an initiative focused on research, networking, and the promotion of short film arts in Africa. Its primary objective is to facilitate the collection, exhibition, and discussion of cinematic works emerging from young filmmakers and students across the continent.

As part of its mission, we organizes the ASFO Showcase 2024, an online event that provides a platform for the free collection of short films. This initiative is specifically designed for young African filmmakers, as well as students in the field of cinema and visual arts. The primary goal of this platform is to gather and showcase artistic engagement from this region, while providing a showcase for emerging talents who might otherwise lack opportunities to present their work.

The ASFO Showcase 2024 also aims to promote the diversity of African cinematic perspectives by offering an inclusive platform where different narratives and viewpoints can be shared and discussed. Additionally, this event strives to address gaps in visibility and distribution faced by many African artists, by providing them with an opportunity to showcase their films and engage in constructive dialogues with a wider audience.

We believe that the African Short Film Observatory and its flagship event, the ASFO Showcase 2024, are part of an academic endeavor to promote research, visibility, and discussion around short film arts in Africa. These initiatives represent a concerted effort to highlight emerging talent on the continent and foster a rich and diverse dialogue within the African filmmaking community.