Accra will host the second edition of the Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA) from December 8 to 12, 2026, positioning the Ghanaian capital as a major gathering point for African cinema. Organisers have confirmed 314 film submissions from 36 countries and a total of 146 nominees across various categories.

The nominations were unveiled at a ceremony held at the Accra Marriott Hotel on October 9, 2026. The event drew filmmakers, actors, producers and industry stakeholders from across the continent. REFFA’s 2026 theme, “Reimagining Africa: Stories beyond Borders,” reflects an emphasis on connecting African narratives with wider international audiences while celebrating creative work rooted in the continent and its diaspora.

The festival programme combines film screenings with capacity-building activities. These include masterclasses on funding and production, a writers’ room workshop, and panel discussions featuring established industry figures.

Confirmed speakers include Shirley Frimpong Manso, Kafui Danku, Chris Odeh and Joy Odiete, among others. A new addition this year is the REFFA x Blue Pictures Content Market, scheduled for December 11. Selected participants will have the opportunity to pitch projects directly to distributors, investors and producers under the “Make a Deal” format.

The awards night gala is set for December 12. Categories cover feature films, short films, documentaries, student works, animation, diaspora productions and a range of technical and performance awards. Ghanaian titles feature prominently among the nominees. Films such as The Fisherman, The Funeral of Kwadae, Last Stop and Vibes The Movie have secured multiple nominations.

Vibes The Movie, directed by Nicholas “Big Ghun” Nartey, earned five nominations, including Best Comedy Film, Best Ghanaian Film and Best Debut Film.

About REFFA

REFFA was launched in December 2025 and has sought to establish itself as both a celebration of excellence and a platform for professional development. Founder and Executive Director Selassie Ibrahim has previously described the festival as a space that brings together established practitioners and emerging talent for knowledge-sharing, networking and collaboration.

The 2026 edition expands on the inaugural event with a broader international submission pool and the introduction of structured industry deal-making sessions.

The selection process involved an initial screening of entries followed by review by an international jury. Organisers noted that some films may be screened during the festival even if they are not nominated for awards. Categories include Best Picture, Best Ghanaian Film, Best Documentary, Best Short Film, achievement awards in cinematography, editing, sound and soundtrack, as well as acting and emerging talent recognitions.

The festival arrives at a time of growing interest in African cinema both on the continent and internationally. By hosting screenings, workshops and a formal awards ceremony in Accra, REFFA aims to contribute to the visibility of African stories and the professional networks that support their production and distribution.

The presence of filmmakers from 36 countries underscores the event’s continental scope.

Logistical preparations are under way for the December dates. The opening is scheduled for December 8, with daily programming from December 9 to 11 and the awards ceremony concluding the event on December 12.

Public and industry attendance is expected at the screenings and related activities.

For Ghanaian filmmakers, the nominations represent recognition within a competitive field that includes work from Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa and other countries. Several local productions appear in both national and open categories, reflecting the strength of recent Ghanaian output.

Industry observers have noted the inclusion of comedy, drama and technical craft among the honoured works.

As the festival approaches, attention will turn to the final selection of films for public screening, the outcomes of the content market pitches, and the eventual winners on awards night. REFFA 2026 continues the organisers’ stated goal of elevating African storytelling through a combination of celebration, education and industry connection.

The event offers filmmakers, students and audiences an opportunity to engage with a diverse selection of contemporary African cinema in Accra this December. With nominations confirmed and the programme structure in place, the second edition of the Regal Film Festival and Awards is set to bring together creative talent from across the continent for five days of screenings, discussion and recognition.