KE Upcoming

NBO Film Festival

Name: NBO Film Festival
Start: 2026-10-15
End: 2026-10-25
Location: Nairobi

The NBO Film Festival returns to Nairobi for its seventh edition from October 15 to 25, 2026. Operating under the theme 'Cinema for Us,' the festival seeks to integrate film into the city's public life through screenings and community dialogues at venues including Prestige Plaza, Unseen Cinema, Kaloleni Social Hall, and Alliance Française.

Date: Oct 15-25, 2026
Location: Nairobi
Status: Upcoming

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Event summary

Highlights

Seventh edition held under the theme 'Cinema for Us'
Kenyan premiere of 'Call Me Queen' on October 17
Retrospective and attendance of Senegalese filmmaker Alain Gomis
Introduction of the Nick Wambugu Prize for Documentary

This edition of the festival highlights a commitment to making African cinema accessible to domestic audiences. The program features three juried competitions: the Fiction Feature Film Competition, the new Nick Wambugu Prize for Documentary, and a Short Film Fiction competition. A major centerpiece is the first-ever filmmaker retrospective for Senegalese director Alain Gomis, which includes his attendance at industry and audience events.

The schedule includes the Kenyan premiere of the film 'Call Me Queen' on October 17 at Prestige Ngong Road. This special red-carpet event includes a cocktail reception and a Q&A session with the cast and crew. Beyond screenings, the festival hosts an expanded industry program featuring the NBO Project Showcase, creative labs, and professional exchanges designed to support the regional film industry.

Practical details

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.