The Silicon Valley African Film Festival’s core programs include: The annual film festival in October, the year-round African Cinema Cafe Series, Africa in the Classroom Film Series and the Diaspora Spotlight program.

Formal opening ceremonies of the film festival starts with a with a Red Carpet walk and VIP reception, followed by a parade of flags of the countries in the festival, a libation ceremony, live entertainment and the screening of the opening night feature film. The festival continues throughout the weekend with screenings of over 80 films from about 30 African countries, live performances, an African marketplace, fashion show, visual arts exhibition, dialogue with filmmakers in attendance, panel discussions, community forums, food, a tour of Silicon Valley for visiting filmmakers, and wraps with a closing / awards ceremony. Over 50% of the films screened at SVAFF are World / North America premieres.

The African Cinema Cafe series: Our year-round community outreach and audience development program that uses film as a pathway to courageous conversations. We screen films virtually and in community spaces and invite our audience and filmmakers into dialogue on topical issues.

Africa in the Classroom Film Series: Our school engagement initiative brings curriculum related films to local elementary, middle and high schools for use in classrooms.

Diaspora Spotlight program: Every year, SVAFF dedicates a segment of the film festival weekend to honor and celebrate Africa’s ancestral footprint in a country or region of the African diaspora through film screenings, exhibitions, performances and panel discussions.