Award & Festival
Archives
Explore, celebrate, and be inspired. Dive into the legacy of the Pan African Film & Arts Festival—where art, culture, and history come alive!
PAFF Screening Schedules
Looking for the films that have defined the Pan African Film & Arts Festival? Our screening guides showcase annual lineups, including thought-provoking documentaries, captivating features, and groundbreaking shorts. Whether you’re revisiting past programs or seeking inspiration for your watchlist, the guides provide a comprehensive look at the films and creators we’ve championed.
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Throughout the years, the festival has celebrated artists, activists, and pioneers whose work embodies the spirit of Pan-African culture. Explore our honoree archive to learn about the legends we’ve recognized—from iconic filmmakers and performers to cultural leaders whose voices have shaped generations.
Ja'Net Dubois Lifetime
Achievement Awards
Originally the Pan African Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, but renamed after the late “Good Times” actress and co-founder of PAFF, The Ja’Net DuBois Lifetime Achievement award holds immense significance within the Black entertainment industry and beyond, serving as a beacon of recognition for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the arts, culture, and society at large.
Named in honor of the iconic actress, singer, and humanitarian, Ja’Net DuBois, this award celebrates a lifetime of creativity, innovation, and dedication to one’s craft. It not only commemorates the outstanding achievements of its recipients but also highlights their enduring impact on audiences, communities, and future generations.
Bill Duke
2024
Woodie King Jr.
2018
Alfre Woodard
2017
Charles Dutton
2014
Lynn Whitfield
2013
Loretta Devine
2012
Phylicia Rashad
2011
Glynn Turman
2010
Marla Gibbs
2009
Della Reese
2008
Ambassador Andrew Young
2007
Louis Gossett Jr
2006
Herb Jeffries
2005
Oscar Brown Jr.
2005
Melvin Van Peebles
2004
Danny Glover
2003
Amiri Baraka
2002
Beah Richards
2000
Beah Richards Award
Named in honor of the legendary actress, poet, and activist Beah Richards, this award celebrates the extraordinary talent and promise of a rising Black actress who is making waves in film and television. Recognizing both artistic excellence and the power to inspire, the award highlights performers whose work reflects the spirit, resilience, and brilliance that Beah Richards embodied throughout her career.
2023
Angela Lewis
2021
Dominique Fishback
2014
Emayatzy Corinealdi
2013
Nicole Beharie
2012
Meagan Good
2011
Tessa Thompson
2010
Tatyana Ali
2008
Taraji P. Henson
2007
Regina King
2006
Kimberly Elise
2005
Vanessa Williams
Canada Lee Award
Named in honor of the pioneering actor and activist Canada Lee, this award recognizes a rising Black actor whose talent, dedication, and artistry are making a powerful impact on the world of film and television. Celebrating performers who embody excellence and promise, the award pays tribute to Canada Lee’s legacy as a groundbreaking artist who used his craft to challenge boundaries and amplify Black stories.
2023
Jonathan Majors
2021
Alfred Enoch
2013
Omari Hardwick
2012
David Oyelowo
2011
Lamman Rucker
2010
Nate Parker
2009
Omar Benson Miller
2008
Idris Elba
2007
Blair Underwood
2006
Hill Harper
2005
Isaiah Washington
Djeli Award
In Pan African cultures, a Djeli is a storyteller, historian, and guardian of tradition—one who preserves the culture and keeps its history alive. The Djeli Award honors writers, directors, producers, actors, musicians, and cultural promoters who have demonstrated a profound commitment to telling authentic Black stories and uplifting Pan African voices. This prestigious award celebrates artists and visionaries who carry the torch of cultural preservation through their work, ensuring that our histories, experiences, and legacies are shared and celebrated across generations.
2023
Gina Prince-Bythewood
2021
Lázaro Ramos
Community Service Award
The Community Service Award honors individuals and organizations whose tireless dedication and impactful work uplift and empower the Pan African community. This award recognizes those who go above and beyond to create positive change, inspire unity, and foster growth through service, advocacy, and leadership. From grassroots efforts to global initiatives, these honorees embody the spirit of giving back and strengthening the bonds that connect us all.
2023
Heather Hutt
2014
Roz Stevenson
2012
Leon T. Garr
2011
Jan Perry
2010
Mark Ridley-Thomas
2009
Karen Bass
2008
Bernard Parks
2007
Herb Wesson, Jr.
2006
Mervyn M. Dymally
Filmmaker Awards Archive
Relive the moments of triumph and inspiration! Our award archives highlight the exceptional films, filmmakers, and artists who have earned recognition for their outstanding contributions. From Best Narrative Features to Audience Choice Awards, see who has taken home top honors over the years and discover the stories that moved audiences and critics alike.
JURY AWARDS
Best Feature Narrative
We Grown Now
(US)
Director: Minhal Baig
Best First Feature Narrative
Power Alley
(Brazil)
Director: Lillah Halla
Best Feature Documentary
Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes
(US)
Director: Ben Shapiro and Sam Pollard
Best First Feature Documentary
Brief Tender Light
(Ghana)
Director: Arthur Musah
Best Short Narrative
The Last Ranger
(South Africa)
Director: Cindy Lee
Best Short Documentary
Own the 8 Count
(US)
Directors: child
AUDIENCE FAVORITE AWARDS
Narrative Feature
Doka
(Ethiopia)
Directors: Kidist Yilma
and
Outlaw Posse
(US)
Director: Mario Van Peebles
Documentary Feature
HumaniTree: A Story of Us Humans
(UK)
Director: Nuakai Aru
and
Respect My Crown: The Rise of African American Women in California Politics
(US)
Director: Pamela Bright-Moon
Short Narrative
Superman Doesn’t Steal
(US)
Director: Tamika Lamison
Short Documentary
The Orchestra Chuck Built
(US)
Directors: Christopher Stoudt
PROGRAMMERS' AWARDS
Best Narrative Feature
Outlaw Posse
(US)
Director: Mario Van Peebles
Best Documentary Feature
One Person, One Vote?
(US)
Director: Maximina Juson
Best Short
Inner Demons
(US)
Director: Jasmine J Johnson
JA'NET DUBOIS FESTIVAL AWARDS
Best Narrative Feature
Bob Marley: One Love
(US)
Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green
Best Documentary
Sing! Fight! Sing! Fight! From LeRoi to Amiri
(US)
Director: Colin Still
Best Short
As the Cookie Crumbles
(US)
Director: Aimiende Negbenebor Sela
International Feature Award
For the Love of the Motherland
(US)
Director: Theodros “Teddy” Teshome
JURY AWARDS
Best Feature Narrative
Rye Lane (UK)
Director: Raine Allen-Miller
Best First Feature Narrative
A Song From the Dark (Nigeria/UK)
Director: Ogo Okpue
Best Feature Documentary
King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones (France/US)
Director: Harriet Marin Jones
Best First Feature Documentary
Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture (US)
Director: David Mesfinn
Best Short Narrative
True Story: God Tells Bad Jokes (US)
Director: Matthew Law
Best Short Documentary
American Justice on Trial: People vs. Newton (US)
Directors: Andrew Abrahams & Herb Ferrette
AUDIENCE FAVORITE AWARDS
Narrative Feature
First (US)
Directors: Jahmela Yarbrough & Brandon Yarbrough
Documentary Feature
Hargrove (France/Italy/US)
Director: Eliane Henri
Short Narrative
Port of a Prince (Haiti/US)
Director: JR Aristide
Short Documentary
Ifine (US/Sierra Leone)
Directors: Adisa Septuri & Ebony Gilbert
PROGRAMMERS' AWARDS
Programmers’ Award: Narrative Feature
The Honeymoon (S.A.)
Director: Bianca Isaac
Programmers’ Award: Documentary
The Africologist: The Chronicles of Africa (Cape Verde/Egypt/Ghana/Guinea Bissau/Kenya/Morocco/Senegal/
S.A./Tanzania)
Director: Valerio Lopes
Programmers’ Award: Short Narrative
Raw Materials (Jamaica)
Director: Sosiessia Nixon-Kelly
Programmers’ Award: Short Documentary
Team Dream (US)
Director: Luchina Fisher
PAFF EXECUTIVE'S AWARDS
Narrative Feature
Dancing the Twist in Bamako (Senegal/Mali/Italy/France/Canada)
Director: Robert Guédiguian
Documentary Feature
Fantastic Negrito: Have You Lost Your Mind Yet (US)
Director: Yvan Iturriaga & Francisco Nuñez
Short Narrative
We Were Meant To (US)
Director: Tari Wariebi
Short Documentary
Ifine (US/Sierra Leone)
Director: Adisa Septuri & Ebony Gilbert
JURY AWARDS
Best Feature Narrative
Lingui, the Sacred Bonds (Chad)
Directed by Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
Best First Feature Narrative
Queen of Glory (US)
Directed by Nana Mensah
Best Feature Documentary
Buddy Guy: the Blues Chase the Blues Away (US)
Directed by Charles Todd & Devin Amar
Best First Feature Documentary
Africa and I (South Africa)
Directed by Othmane Zolati & Chris Green
Best Short Narrative
Slow Pulse (US)
Directed by Marshall Tyler
Best Short Documentary
Cuba in Africa (Cuba/US)
Directed by Negash Abdurahman
PROGRAMMERS' AWARDS
Programmers’ Award: Narrative Feature
Ayinla (Nigeria)
Directed by Tunde Kelani
Programmers’ Award: Documentary
Race Today (UK)
Directed by Wayne G Saunders
Programmers’ Award: Short Narrative
2 Eye Drops from Normal (US)
Directed by Mora Carew
Programmers’ Award: Short Documentary
For Love & Legacy (US
Directed by A.K. Sandhu
AUDIENCE AWARDS
Audience Favorite: Feature Narrative
Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story (US)
Directed by Denise Dowse
Audience Favorite: Feature Documentary (tie)
The Dream Whisperer (US)
Directed by Eric Drath
and
Ferguson Rises (US)
Directed by Mobolaji Olambiwonnu
Audience Favorite: Short Narrative
Contraban (US)
Directed by Chelsea Hicks
Audience Favorite: Short Documentary
Crawford – The Man the South Forgot (US)
Directed by Carol Devoe
JA'NET DUBOIS AWARDS
Narrative
A Brother’s Whisper (US)
Directed by Jacinto Taras Riddick
Documentary
Grandpa was an Emperor (US/Canada/Ethiopia/France/Germany/Jamaica/UK)
Directed by Constance Marks
JURY AWARDS
Best Narrative Feature
Back of the Moon (South Africa)
Directed by Angus Gibson
Best Documentary
Firestarter - The Story of Bangarra (Australia)
Directed by Wayne Blair, Nel Minchin
Best First Feature Director-Narrative
Caged Birds (US)
Directed by Fredrick Leach
Best First Feature Director-Documentary
Hollywood's Architect: The Paul R. Williams Story (US)
Directed by Royal Kennedy Rodgers, Kathy McCampbell Vance
Best Short Narrative (Animation or Live Action)
Tuk-Tuk (Egypt)
Directed by Mohamed Kheidr
FESTIVAL AWARDS
Narrative Feature Award
The Milk Maid (Nigeria)
Directed by Desmond Ovbiagele
Contemporary Vision Award
Who Is Gatsby Randolph (US)
Directed by Kobie Randolph
Documentary Feature
Uprooted - The Journey of Jazz Dance (Canada/France/UK)
Directed by Khadifa Wong
Short Narrative or Documentary
The Cypher (US)
Directed by Letia Solomon
Best Actor
Chase Gutzmore, Standing Ovation (US)
Directed by Chase Gutzmore
JURY AWARDS
Best Feature Narrative Award
The Mercy of the Jungle (Rwanda)
Directed by Joël Karekezi
Honorable Mention:
Knuckle City (South Africa)
Directed by Jahmil X.T. Qubeka
Best First Feature Narrative Award
A Taste of Our Land (Uganda)
Directed by Yuhi Amuli
Honorable Mention:
Mr. Weekend (US)
Directed by McKenzie Woodward
Best Documentary Award
One Child Left Behind: The Untold Atlanta Cheating Scandal (US)
Directed by Jodi Gomes
Honorable Mention:
PUSHOUT: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools (US)
Directed by Jacoba Atlas
Best Short Narrative Award
White Gold (South Africa) Directed by Luke Bradford
Honorable Mention:
My Father Belize (Belize)
Directed by Leon Lozano
FESTIVAL AWARDS
Programmers’ Best Narrative Feature
She Ball (US)
Directed by Nick Cannon
Programmers’ Best Short Narrative
Sixteen Thousand Dollars (US)
Directed by Symone Baptiste
Programmers’ Best Documentary Award
parTy boi: black diamonds in ice castles (US)
Directed by Micheal Rice
Programmers’ Best First Feature Narrative Award (Tie)
Coming From Insanity (Nigeria)
Directed by Akinyemi Sebastian Akinropo
and
Gonarezhou The Movie (Zimbabwe)
Directed by Sydney Taivavashe
SPECIAL PROGRAMMERS' AWARD
The Cuban (Canada/Cuba)
Directed by Sergio Navarretta
JA'NET DUBOIS FEATURE NARRATIVE AWARD
HERO - Inspired By The Extraordinary Life & Times of Mr. Ulric Cross (Canada/Trinidad and Tobago/Ghana/UK) Directed by Frances-Anne Solomon
JA'NET DUBOIS SHORT NARRATIVE AWARD
Code_Switch (US) Directed by Sigin Ojulu
JA'NET DUBOIS DOCUMENTARY AWARD
My Friend Fela (Brazil/Nigeria) Directed by Joel Zito Araújo
JA'NET DUBOIS FIRST NARRATIVE FEATURE AWARD
Zulu Wedding (South Africa) Directed by Lineo Sekeleoane
SPECIAL JA'NET DUBOIS AWARD
Foster Boy (US) Directed by Youssef Delara
AUDIENCE FAVORITE AWARDS
Audience Favorite for Feature Narrative
The Cuban (Canada/Cuba)
Directed by Sergio Navarretta
Audience Favorite for Feature Documentary
PUSHOUT: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools (US)
Directed by Jacoba Atlas
Audience Favorite for Narrative Short
My Father Belize (Belize) Directed by Leon Lozano
Audience Favorite for Documentary Short
Once in a Hundred Years: The Life & Legacy of Marion Anderson (US)
Directed by Bill Nicoletti
JURY AWARDS
Best Narrative Feature
Sprinter (Jamaica)
Directed by Storm Saulter
Honorable Mention
Ellen (South Africa)
Directed by Daryne Joshua
Best First Feature Narrative
Skin in the Game (US)
Directed by Adisa
Honorable Mention
Veronica's Wish (Uganda)
Directed by Rehema Nanfuka
Best Feature Documentary
Mr. Soul! (US) Directed by Melissa Haizlip
Honorable Mention
Oliver Tambo Have You Heard from Johannesburg (South Africa/Netherlands/ UK/US) Directed by Connie Field
Best Short Documentary
120 Years (US)
Directed by Matt Nadel & Lukas Cox
Honorable Mention
The Infamous Future (US)
Directed by Richard Butterworth
Best Short Narrative
Twelfth Round (Australia)
Directed by Nir Shelter
Honorable Mention
Time 2 Surrender
Directed by Elvis Nolasco
FESTIVAL AWARDS
PAFF Programmers’ Award-Narrative Short
The Fisherman (Ghana)
Directed by Zoey Martinson
PAFF Programmers’ Award - Documentary Short
Sincerely, The Black Kids (US)
Directed by Miles Iton
PAFF Programmers’ Award - Documentary Feature (Tie)
Blue Note Records: Beyond the Notes (UK)
Directed by Sophie Huber
and
Boss: The Black Experience in Business (US)
Directed by Stanley Nelson
PAFF Programmers’ Award - Narrative Feature
Lara and the Beat (Nigeria) Directed by Tosin Coker
PAFF Directors’ Award - Feature Documentary
Oliver Tambo: Have You Heard from Johannesburg (South Africa/Netherlands/ UK/US)
Directed by Connie Field
PAFF Directors’ Award - Feature Narrative
Nine Nights (UK)
Directed by Veronica McKenzie
PAFF Directors’ Award - Narrative Short
Bail (UK)
Directed by Kwame Lestrade
PAFF Directors’ Award - Documentary Short
Power to Heal (US)
Directed by Charles Burnett & Daniel Loewenthal
AUDIENCE FAVORITE AWARDS
Audience Award - Short Documentary
Bakosó: Afrobeats de Cuba (US)
Directed by Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi
Audience Award - Narrative Short
Pas Honteux (US)
Directed by John D. Tucker
Audience Award - Documentary Feature
Ali's Comeback: The Untold Story (US)
Directed by Art L. Jones
Audience Award - Narrative Feature
Rattlesnakes (UK/US)
Directed by Julius Amedume