Kunle Afolayan Takes African Cinema Global — From Royal african society/bafta to Yale University

Africa’s most celebrated filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, continues to blaze an international trail representing the power, depth, and elegance of African storytelling on some of the world’s most prestigious stages.

This November, Afolayan takes center stage at the Royal African Society’s Film Africa event at BAFTA in London, and later at NOIR FEST – Harvard/Yale Edition in the U.S., reaffirming his place as a leading force in global cinema.

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London: Royal African Society & BAFTA Present a Masterclass with Kunle Afolayan

The Royal African Society and BAFTA present a special #FilmAfrica25 Masterclass with award-winning filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, whose visionary work continues to shape African cinema.

Best known for Netflix hits like Aníkúlápó (2022) — the most-watched non-English film on the platform — Afolayan has redefined Nollywood with authentic stories and global appeal.

In conversation with Tendeka Matatu, he’ll explore his storytelling craft, Netflix collaborations, and his mission to mentor the next generation of African filmmakers. The event will also feature a screening of his breakthrough film, The Figurine (2009).

📍 Venue: BAFTA HQ, Piccadilly, London
🔗 RSVP: Opens soon via filmafrica.org

If you’re in London, come celebrate African cinema at BAFTA!

_{#KunleAfolayan #FilmAfrica25 #BAFTA #RoyalAfricanSociety #AfricanCinema #Anikulapo #TheFigurine #Nollywood #Masterclass #GlobalCinema}

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Yale University: Kunle Afolayan Headlines NOIR FEST Harvard/Yale Edition

Later in November, Kunle Afolayan will headline NOIR FEST, hosted at Yale University during Creative Valley Week, following an invitation that described him as “one of the most important filmmakers of our generation.”

This event will feature screenings, workshops, and conversations designed to explore how African storytelling continues to transform global culture.

Theme: Storytelling, Innovation & the Future of African Narrative

Afolayan’s career has done more than entertain, it has reshaped how the world sees Africa.
Long before social media began showcasing Africa’s beauty and innovation, filmmakers like Afolayan broke through international barriers, telling stories that celebrated the grace, intelligence, and creative excellence of African life.

His global hit Aníkúlápó reached #1 on Netflix worldwide, standing as a testament to his storytelling mastery and commitment to cultural authenticity.

Venue: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
Dates: November 20 – 23, 2025

If you’re in or around New Haven, don’t miss this powerful celebration of African creativity and vision at NOIR FEST.

_{#KunleAfolayan #NOIRFEST #YaleUniversity #CreativeValleyWeek #AfricanCinema #Anikulapo #Nollywood #Storytelling #Innovation #FilmFestival #GlobalCinema #Conference #AfricanNarrative}

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A Global Moment for African Storytelling

From BAFTA in London to Yale in the United States, Kunle Afolayan’s invitations represent more than personal milestones — they are proof that African stories now define the global cultural conversation.

As audiences worldwide embrace authentic voices, Afolayan’s continued ascent reminds us that Africa’s time in cinema isn’t coming, it’s here.

_{Follow @kunleafo for more updates}