Five African Films Earn Prestigious TIFF 2026 Centrepiece Selections

African cinema is once again commanding the global spotlight after five films from the continent secured coveted places in the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2026 Centrepiece programme, one of the festival’s most celebrated showcases for outstanding international cinema.

The impressive selection is another sign of Africa’s growing influence in world filmmaking, with stories from across the continent continuing to earn recognition on some of the industry’s biggest stages.

Among this year’s African selections is Future Tense, the latest feature from South African filmmaker Jenna Cato Bass. Making its world premiere at TIFF, the science-fiction drama explores a near future where time travel has become an exclusive privilege of the wealthy, blending themes of love, inequality and the consequences of rewriting history.

Nigeria also has a strong presence through The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, directed by Daniel Oriahi. Adapted from Lola Shoneyin’s acclaimed novel of the same name, the film will make its world premiere at the festival, introducing one of African literature’s most celebrated contemporary stories to an even wider international audience.

Joining them is Ben’Imana, directed by Rwandan filmmaker Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo. Following a successful festival run earlier this year, the film continues its international journey with a coveted TIFF selection.

Also making the Centrepiece lineup is Congo Boy, directed by Rafiki Fariala. The multinational production, created through a collaboration between the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, France and Italy, highlights the increasingly cross-border nature of African filmmaking.

Completing the African contingent is Dao, the latest film from acclaimed Senegalese director Alain Gomis. Produced between France, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, the emotionally rich drama adds another distinct African perspective to this year’s international programme.

The TIFF Centrepiece programme is widely regarded as one of the festival’s flagship sections, celebrating exceptional films from around the world. This year’s edition features 54 titles, with five African productions and co-productions earning places in the prestigious lineup.

Their inclusion reflects the remarkable momentum African cinema has built in recent years. From Cannes and Berlin to Venice, Sundance and now Toronto, filmmakers across the continent are increasingly gaining global recognition for stories that are deeply rooted in African experiences while resonating with audiences everywhere.