Africa, Caribbean & International Film Festival 2026: A Global Celebration of Cinema and Collaboration

From July 28 to 31, 2026, India will host a remarkable cultural and cinematic gathering: the Africa, Caribbean & International Film Festival (ACI Film Festival). Organized by Leyilab in partnership with Geeta University, this international event will take place in Panipat, bringing together creative minds from across continents.

A Platform for Global Collaboration

The festival aims to strengthen collaboration between African, Caribbean, and international cinema industries. Beyond filmmaking, it seeks to encourage exchanges in related sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and education highlighting cinema as a powerful driver of economic and cultural development.

African and Caribbean cinema, rich with talent and storytelling diversity, continue to captivate global audiences. This festival provides a unique platform to showcase these voices while fostering partnerships with filmmakers and institutions worldwide.

A Dynamic and Diverse Program

The 2026 edition promises an exciting lineup of activities. Attendees can expect:

• Guided tours of film studios

• Professional training workshops

• Business networking sessions (B2B, B2C, B2G)

• A fashion show celebrating cultural creativity

• An awards ceremony honoring excellence in film and television

• And many more surprises

High-Level Training and Knowledge Exchange

Workshops will be led by experienced professionals from India, the United States, and Europe. These sessions will cover a wide range of disciplines, including acting, screenwriting, directing, production, makeup artistry, scenography, and even animation using artificial intelligence. The festival will serve as a vibrant hub for knowledge-sharing and skill development.

Influential Personalities and Networking Opportunities

Networking will be at the heart of the festival, with carefully selected industry professionals and influential figures participating. Among them:

• Prachi Gupta, an award-winning Indian screenwriter

• Nicanson Guerrier, a producer and director whose documentary is currently making waves in the United States

• Mninawa Mangweni, an internationally recognized cultural producer

• Murielle Thezenas, PhD, business mentor, coach, and certified closer

• Sindhu Bhaskar, a member of the Forbes Council

The awards jury will also feature Ayse Top, further elevating the festival’s prestige.

A Hub for Cultural and Economic Diplomacy

The ACI Film Festival is more than a cinematic event it is a strategic platform for influence, lobbying, and networking. It stands as a major international meeting point and a crossroads for cultural and economic diplomacy.

Over four days, Africa and the Caribbean will meet India in a celebration of cultural diversity, creativity, and global unity making this festival a truly unmissable event on the international cultural calendar.