Looking Back at 2024: 7 Significant Milestones in Black Film

2024 has been a transformative year for the Black film industry, showcasing groundbreaking achievements and profound contributions from Black filmmakers, actors, and creatives. From record-breaking box office successes to historic firsts, here are ten key moments that have shaped the landscape of Black cinema this year:

1. ‘Mai Martaba’ Makes 2025 Oscars Longlist

Nigeria broke new ground as Mai Martaba (Your Highness) made the 2025 Oscars longlist in the International Feature Film category. Directed by Prince Daniel, this epic Northern Nigerian tale of political intrigue and gender empowerment captured the global audience’s imagination.

Set in the fictional Kingdom of Jallaba, the film chronicles the dramatic events following King Sanaya’s decision to nominate his daughter, Princess Sangaya, as his successor. Despite not advancing to the final shortlist, this marked a pivotal moment for Nigerian cinema, as no previous submissions, including Lionheart and Mami Wata in 2019, had reached this stage.

2. Black Excellence Shines at the Pan African Film & Arts Festival

The 2024 Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) showcased an impressive slate of films celebrating African and diaspora narratives. Highlights included the premiere of Motherland Echoes, a South African drama, and Diaspora Blues, a collaboration between Ghanaian and Jamaican filmmakers. These films not only earned critical acclaim but also reaffirmed PAFF’s role as a platform for elevating Black voices globally.

3. Denzel Washington’s Triumphant Return in Gladiator II

Denzel Washington made headlines with his electrifying performance in Gladiator II, cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s most enduring legends. The trailer alone ignited a social media frenzy, with fans heralding his commanding presence. His role in the epic sequel brought depth and gravitas, solidifying his place as an icon in modern cinema.

4. Triggerfish Studios Partners with UNESCO to Nurture African Animation

Triggerfish Studios, the acclaimed South African animation powerhouse, announced a groundbreaking partnership with UNESCO to develop the next generation of African animators. The initiative, titled "Africa Animates," focuses on mentorship, training, and funding for young creatives across the continent.

With Triggerfish’s history of producing globally celebrated films like Khumba and Seal Team, this collaboration aims to elevate African animation to international prominence, fostering stories that reflect the continent’s rich cultural diversity. The program's flagship project, an anthology series featuring tales from African folklore, has already garnered interest from major streaming platforms.

5. Simone Biles Biopic Announcement

Fresh off her historic Paris Olympics performance, Simone Biles was crowned the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). This inspired the announcement of a major biopic set to be directed by Ava DuVernay. The film promises to delve into Biles’ journey from prodigy to global icon, with whispers of Lupita Nyong’o in talks to star.

6. Film Lab Africa Launches with 10 Promising Young Filmmakers

The inaugural Film Lab Africa project was launched in 2024, selecting 10 young filmmakers from across the continent to participate in an intensive year-long mentorship and development program. Supported by a consortium of international film bodies, the program aims to nurture emerging African talent by providing access to industry experts, funding opportunities, and state-of-the-art resources.

The 10 filmmakers, hailing from countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, are working on a diverse range of projects, from experimental shorts to feature-length dramas. The program’s showcase event, held in Kigali, Rwanda, drew attention from global distributors and streaming platforms, signaling a bright future for African storytelling.

7. Veteran Actors Honored with Awards of Excellence at SVAFF

The Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) celebrated three iconic actors John Kani, Souleymane Cissé, and Richard Mofe-Damijo with its prestigious Award of Excellence. This recognition honored their decades-long contributions to cinema and their roles in shaping the narrative of African and diaspora storytelling.