The Afro Women in Animation Festival has announced its 2026 edition, unveiling a two-phase programme that combines pre-festival virtual workshops with a free, in-person main event in Lagos aimed at supporting women building practical pathways into the animation industry.

The festival will begin with a series of virtual workshops running from 9 to 13 March 2026. Festival organisers said the sessions are designed to equip participants with hands-on skills across key areas of animation, including story development, visual development, storyboard and animatics, and sound design.

Beyond skills training, the workshops are positioned as a route into professional practice. Participants who successfully complete the sessions will be considered for the inaugural Afro Women in Animation Production Lab, where selected creatives will collaborate on an original animation project and gain real-world production experience.

“These workshops are not just for learning; they are a pathway,” the organisers said in a statement.

The programme will culminate in the main festival event on 21 March 2026, taking place at Daystar, Alpha Hall, Ikeja, Lagos, as part of Women’s Month activities. Attendance at the in-person event is free, although registration is required.

Now in its second edition, the Afro Women in Animation Festival says its focus this year is on helping women move from initial interest to sustained engagement within the animation industry. The programme is structured to support participants at different stages of their creative journeys, from those exploring animation for the first time to creatives seeking clearer direction, community, and long-term growth.

According to the organisers, the 2026 edition will feature a mix of skill-building sessions, industry insights, and networking opportunities, with engagement planned both during and beyond the festival period.

Applications for the pre-festival workshops are currently open, with limited slots available. Registration is also open for the main Lagos event, while additional programme details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks through the festival’s official channels.

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