The Story⚡
AFRIFF 2025 has assembled a powerhouse jury for what promises to be its most ambitious edition yet, where Afrobeats culture collides with African cinema.
Tell Me More
The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has revealed its jury lineup for the 14th edition, running November 2-8, 2025, in Lagos. This panel of global film industry heavyweights will decide the winners across multiple categories.
Leading the pack is Tim McNeal, Senior Vice President of Creative Talent Development & Inclusion at Disney Television Studios. His selection signals AFRIFF’s bold vision this year: proving that Afrobeats isn’t just music, it’s a cultural force reshaping how African stories are told on screen.
The Jury
Tim McNeal – Senior Vice President, Disney Television Studios. A television veteran who helped launch The WB Network and developed hit shows like Dawson’s Creek and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. At Disney, he oversees inclusive hiring programs and serves as president of the HRTS board. Tim McNeal is on the jury for Feature Film at AFRIFF 2025.
Jacqueline Lyanga – Co-Director of Film Programming at Berlin International Film Festival. Former Artistic Director at Film Independent and Festival Director of AFI FEST. She’s served on juries at Cannes, Sundance, and Toronto, and was named one of Hollywood’s 75 most powerful Black women by Essence. Jacqueline Lyanga is on the jury for Feature Film at AFRIFF 2025.
Andrea Voges – Programmes Manager at Realness Institute and Sales & Distribution Manager at Urucu Media. This South African brings fifteen years of festival experience from Durban, Joburg, and Red Sea film festivals, with deep expertise in film distribution across the continent. Andrea Voges is on the jury for Feature Film at AFRIFF 2025.
Kayode Jegede – Screenwriter and Filmmaker. The London-born Nigerian writer co-wrote Gangs of Lagos, Amazon Prime’s first African original film. He’s also a mentor for AFRIFF’s Creative Africa Nexus Script-to-Screen programme. Kayode Jegede is on the jury for Feature Film at AFRIFF 2025.
Stephen “Dr” Love – Producer and Co-founder, The Invisible Collective. Known for Netflix’s They Cloned Tyrone and Emmy-winning work with P&G. A returning AFRIFF juror who champions authentic African stories on the global stage. Stephen ‘Dr’ Love is on the jury for Documentary Film at AFRIFF 2025.
Ranada Shepard – Showrunner and Executive Producer of Netflix’s Good Times animated reboot. A first-generation Afro-Latina who created TV One’s Born Again Virgin and served as showrunner for HBO Max’s Young Love. Ranada Shepard is on the jury for Documentary Film at AFRIFF 2025.
Carl Rumbaugh – CEO of 23 Management Group. An Emmy, Golden Globe, and Tony-nominated producer with credits spanning film, television, and theatre, including Broadway’s A Raisin in the Sun revival. Carl Rumbaugh is on the jury for Documentary Film at AFRIFF 2025
Victor Sanchez Aghahowa – Head of Production at MultiChoice West Africa. He oversees content development for Africa Magic and has produced acclaimed series including Enakhe, Ripples, and The Residence. Victor Aghahowa is one part of the two person Jury for Shorts/Students/Animation Film at AFRIFF 2025
Ahmed Al-Othman – Broadcaster, Screenwriter, and Cultural Advocate with Oman Film Society. A key figure in Oman’s growing film industry, working to elevate Arab voices internationally. He is one part of the two person Jury for Shorts/Students/Animation Film at AFRIFF 2025.
Key Background
AFRIFF, founded by Chioma Ude in 2010, has become Africa’s leading film festival, celebrating cinema from the continent and its diaspora. Every year, the festival creates vital connections between filmmakers, producers, and industry players.
But 2025 is different. This year’s theme poses a direct challenge to African filmmakers: Can cinema achieve what Afrobeats has already done? Can it conquer the global stage while staying authentically African? The jury won’t just be judging artistic excellence, they’ll be looking for films that prove this is possible.
The festival opens with “3 Cold Dishes,” executive produced by Grammy-winner Burna Boy, exploring connections between West African rhythms and global music culture. It’s the perfect example of what AFRIFF wants to see more of.
The festival’s mission remains clear: develop African cinema to compete globally, create opportunities for professionals to export their work, and connect filmmakers with investors, equipment, and skills through workshops and industry forums.
In Summary
AFRIFF 2025’s jury reads like a masterclass in global film power; from Disney’s boardrooms to Netflix’s hit factory, Berlin’s programming desk to MultiChoice’s production floors. These aren’t just judges. They’re the people who decide what the world watches next.
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