Shorts Program 2: African Film Festival Atlanta 2026

Shorts Program 2: Footprints In Dust

A collection of 4 films centered on the marks people leave behind due to their actions as well as exploring

how absence reshapes the landscapes of those who remain.

Zimbabwe | 30 minutes 49 seconds

From Tuskegee to apartheid-era medical abuses and neglect in Southern Africa, Black communities have lived with the consequences of healthcare systems that failed them. Silent Epidemics tells the truth about that history and then moves us forward, spotlighting a community-led blueprint forward.

Get a taste of the film by watching the trailer

Andile Sithole’s journey into filmmaking is a testament to his transition from a student-athlete to a rising voice in global cinema. His entrance into the industry was marked by high-level recognition; in 2022, he beat out thousands of applicants to join the Academy Gold Rising program.

Today, Sithole balances his work behind the camera with his role as a creative entrepreneur. As the founder of the Nini Network and host of the Insight Podcast, he focuses on building platforms that amplify diverse perspectives.

United States | 12 minutes 1 second

What if you ran into an old flame 20 years after a difficult break-up? What if the spark was still there? What if you were both unavailable? What if that didn’t matter?

Get a taste of the film by watching the

Mark Spencer began his career as a teacher of speech and drama, spending over 30 years in the classroom and as an administrator of Arts and Theatre. In 2004, he put his love of films to good use by directing and producing his first feature, Posin’, which was screened before a live audience of 2,000 and given glowing reviews by filmmakers.

His most current film release is 1000 Negative Confessions. It was produced in 2024. Over the years, Mark has built the West Side Theater into the preeminent entertainment venue in Northwest Indiana. Under his direction the theater underwent a multi-million dollar renovation.

United States | 34 minutes 9 seconds

In his last days, Ameen, pharaoh of Kemet, tries to hand full power of his kingdom over to his rebellious queen in the midst of a coup.

Get a taste of the film by watching the

Candace West is a writer, director, and producer born in Atlanta. West transitioned from a career in nursing to filmmaking and acting. She has appeared in projects such as S.W.A.T., The Resident, and Tyler Perry’s Nobody’s Fool, and quickly found her creative voice behind the camera as well.

Her short film I Am Mara was nominated for Best Series at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF). West’s work explores African diasporic identity through genre, particularly sci-fi and fantasy, blending myth, spirituality, and cultural reclamation.

United States, Ghana | 12 minutes 34 seconds | Documentary, Short

A powerful story of sisterhood, dreams, and global connection. Akwaaba: Oceans Between, Dreams Beyond is a moving documentary capturing the journeys of 55 exceptional girls from 7 African countries as they travel to Accra, Ghana for a life-changing experience at the LEAD Camp for Girls, powered by Junior Achievement Africa and supported by Delta Air Lines. Their stories are stitched with resilience, ambition, and cross-cultural friendship—showing how dreams can truly transcend borders and how we can be inspired by the next generation of global leaders.

Get a taste of the film by watching the

Jabriel Films is a director and cinematographer born and raised in Atlanta, GA, and shaped by the world. With over 15 years of experience behind the camera, he’s led projects across feature films, commercials, documentaries, and music videos, always anchored in his signature style: high-end urban realism.
As an official director for Delta Air Lines, he leads global campaigns for the Olympics, international commercials, and internal brand storytelling. Having traveled to nearly 30 countries, Jabriel draws inspiration from every environment, blending global vision with Southern storytelling.

Category: Narrative & Documentary

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Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, United States

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