THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
The 76th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), taking place from 12 to 22 February 2026, once again confirms its reputation as one of the world’s most politically engaged and culturally diverse film festivals. This year, African cinema features prominently across several sections of the festival, offering powerful stories, bold aesthetics and compelling perspectives that reflect the continent’s realities, histories and creative dynamism.
African films and filmmakers are represented in key Berlinale sections, including the prestigious Competition, Panorama, Forum, Generation and the Shorts programmes. These selections underline the growing international recognition of African cinema—not only as a space of social commentary but also as a site of artistic innovation and genre experimentation.
In the main Competition, films by renowned African directors, such as Dao – Directed by Alain Gomis (France / Senegal / Guinea-Bissau), explore themes such as migration, identity, memory, family ties and postcolonial realities. These works place African experiences firmly at the centre of global cinematic conversations, competing alongside films from Europe, Asia and the Americas for the coveted Golden Bear. For African audiences, this visibility is significant: it shows that African stories are no longer marginal but essential to understanding our shared world.
Beyond the Competition, sections like Panorama and Forum present films that are often more daring in form and subject matter. Here, African filmmakers, such as Les âmes du Fouta – Directed by Alpha Diallo (Senegal), tackle issues such as youth culture, gender, identity, political repression and everyday survival with honesty and creativity. Documentaries and hybrid films, such as Crocodile – Co-directed by The Critics Company (Nigeria) and Pietra Brettkelly – Forum section
A documentary about Nigerian teenagers making DIY sci-fi films, blending creativity and survival. shed light on underreported stories from across the continent and reveal the richness and diversity of African storytelling traditions.
The Berlinale’s Generation section, which focuses on young audiences, also includes African films that speak directly to questions of coming of age, belonging and resilience. These films are particularly important for African families and young people in the diaspora, as they offer relatable narratives and role models rarely seen in mainstream European cinema.
For Africans living in Germany and across Europe, the Berlinale is more than a film festival. It is a meeting point—a space to see ourselves represented on screen, to engage with filmmakers, and to take part in discussions about culture, politics and society. Many screenings are accompanied by Q&A sessions, panel discussions and networking events, providing opportunities to connect directly with African directors, producers and actors.
For African readers, creatives, students and culture lovers, the 76th Berlinale offers a unique opportunity: to celebrate African excellence, to engage with global audiences, and to experience the power of African stories on one of the world’s biggest cinematic stages. Berlin will be watching—and Africa will be speaking.
Vivian Asamoah
