NBO Film Festival

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Arts & CultureNairobi
DatesDates TBA · Usually OctoberCheck locally before booking
Duration11 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsNBO Film Festival's distinctive dual
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: KES
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

NBO Film Festival in Nairobi

A Nairobi-based nonprofit film festival founded in the mid-2010s to celebrate African and diaspora cinema and grow local cinema-going audiences. Running roughly ten days each October, it combines feature films, documentaries and shorts with masterclasses and question-and-answer sessions, positioning itself as an audience-focused counterpart to Kenya's more industry-oriented film events.

NBO Film Festival is a Nairobi-based nonprofit film event founded in the mid-2010s, built around celebrating African and African diaspora cinema through screenings, industry engagement and cultural exchange, with a founding mission to grow cinema-going audiences in Nairobi by presenting notable films from around the world alongside homegrown Kenyan work.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

NBO Film Festival's distinctive dual mission, curating strong international and diaspora cinema for Nairobi audiences while simultaneously connecting Kenyan film talent outward to global industry networks, sets it apart from purely industry-facing markets, and its growth from a modest single-venue gathering into one of East Africa's most respected film events reflects the broader expansion of Nairobi's cinema culture over the past decade

02

The mystery stays covered

Its programming choices consistently favor bold, less commercially safe films over blockbuster fare, giving Nairobi audiences access to work that would otherwise rarely reach local cinema screens

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

A programme built around feature films

Water and renewal

Living ritual

documentaries and shorts from African and diaspora filmmakers

The sacred route

Living ritual

paired consistently with masterclasses and filmmaker question-and-answer sessions

The local code

Living ritual

forms the festival's recurring structure each October

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually October

Getting around

Use the event area in Nairobi to set the route; normal travel times can stretch once crowds build.

What to wear

Casual, comfortable clothing suits most screenings; smart-casual attire works well for any opening-night events, masterclasses or filmmaker panels with a slightly more formal tone.

Safety

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

Where to stay

For peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Nairobi.

Tickets/cost

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

Language/currency

KES

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map1.28 S, 36.82 EOpen in Google Maps

Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

Nearest airportNBO — Jomo Kenyatta
TransportUse the event area in Nairobi to set the route; normal travel times can stretch once crowds build.
Stay areaFor peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Nairobi.

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 Nairobi via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Nairobi, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for October.Compare faresFestival gearCasual, comfortable clothing suits most screenings; smart-casual attire works well for any opening-night events, masterclasses or filmmaker panels with a slightly more formal tone.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Kenya 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 NBO Film Festival?

NBO Film Festival is listed for Past edition: 16–26 October 2025. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does NBO Film Festival take place?

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

How long should I plan for?

11 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?

Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

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 URLnbofilmfest.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually October
Source statusOfficial source linked
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