Addis International Film Festival

አዲስ ዓለም አቀፍ የፊልም ፌስቲቫል

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Arts & CultureAddis Ababa
DatesDates TBA · Usually AprilCheck locally before booking
Duration6 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsIts specific focus on independent
LanguageAmharic and regional languagesCurrency: ETB
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Addis International Film Festival in Addis Ababa

Founded in 2007 by the Ethiopian organisation Initiative Africa, the Addis International Film Festival has grown into one of Africa's largest independent documentary film festivals. Its programme pairs screenings of Ethiopian and international documentary work with workshops training young and amateur filmmakers, now selecting more than thirty films for its programme each year.

The Addis International Film Festival, established in 2007 by the Ethiopian organisation Initiative Africa, has grown into one of the largest platforms for independent documentary filmmaking anywhere in Africa, screening work from experienced and emerging Ethiopian and African filmmakers alongside international selections.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Its specific focus on independent documentary cinema, rather than a broad narrative-feature competition, is a distinguishing, documented programming choice that separates it from most other African film festivals, and its recognition within the international Human Rights Film Network reflects a specific curatorial identity tied to social-issue and documentary storytelling rather than mainstream entertainment cinema, sustained on largely local funding rather than foreign cultural-institute sponsorship, a funding model that has shaped its modest-venue, workshop-heavy programming approach

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival's founding by Initiative Africa in 2007

Water and renewal

Living ritual

its documentary-cinema focus and its paired filmmaker-training workshops are specific

The sacred route

Living ritual

well-documented

The local code

Living ritual

defining features of the event

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually April

Getting around

Stay close enough to the part of Addis Ababa you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.

What to wear

Casual, comfortable clothing suits indoor screenings and workshop sessions; a light layer is worth carrying for cooler evenings in Addis Ababa's highland climate.

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For busy dates, stay near reliable routes so the return after Addis International Film Festival does not become the hardest part.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

ETB

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map9.02 N, 38.75 EOpen in Google Maps

Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Nearest airportADD — Addis Ababa Bole
TransportStay close enough to the part of Addis Ababa you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.
Stay areaFor busy dates, stay near reliable routes so the return after Addis International Film Festival does not become the hardest part.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Addis Ababa via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Addis Ababa, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for April.Compare faresFestival gearCasual, comfortable clothing suits indoor screenings and workshop sessions; a light layer is worth carrying for cooler evenings in Addis Ababa's highland climate.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Ethiopia and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Addis International Film Festival?

Addis International Film Festival is listed for Past edition: 28 April–3 May 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Addis International Film Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

6 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLhumanrightsfilmnetwork.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually April
Source statusOfficial source linked
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