Creative Africa Nexus Programme (CANEX) Shorts 2026

CANEX Shorts 2026 is the 4th edition of a short film competition organized by Afreximbank through its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme, aimed at young filmmakers from Africa and the African diaspora. The competition is open to African filmmakers aged 18–35, residing on the continent or abroad, who submit original short films of no longer than 5 minutes in length, made in 2024 or later. Films may be in any language but must include English subtitles if not in English, and filmmakers must hold all rights to their submissions. Each winner receives a cash prize of $2,000, has their film screened at CANEX WKND 2026, and is invited to attend the event in Lagos, Nigeria (November 5–8, 2026), with flights and accommodation covered. CANEX WKND is a flagship creative industries event featuring industry conversations, masterclasses, deal rooms, and market exhibitions. Only one film per filmmaker is permitted, and selected participants must sign a rights agreement and have a bank account capable of receiving international payments. The application deadline is June 30, 2026.

• Open to Africans living on the continent and in the diaspora
• Filmmaker must currently be between the ages of 18–35
• Film must have been made in 2024 or after, and at the time of making the film the filmmaker must have been between the ages of 18–35
• Films must be no longer than 5 minutes in length
• Filmmaker must own all rights, including music, with supporting documentation
• Films can be in any language but must be subtitled in English if not in English
• A digital link to the film must be provided in the submission
• Only one film per filmmaker
• Selected filmmakers will be required to sign a release/rights agreement
• Entrants must have a bank account capable of receiving international payments
• young African filmmakers
• African diaspora creatives
• short film directors aged 18–35
• emerging filmmakers from Africa