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About the Festival

Now in its second year, The KITFO Film Festival is a global platform dedicated to celebrating Ethiopian and Eritrean cinema and storytelling from the Horn of Africa and its diaspora. A one-of-a-kind experience, KITFO connects filmmakers, industry professionals, and culture lovers from across the globe for three unforgettable days of film screenings, thought-provoking panels, exclusive mixers, and deep community connection.

What began in Los Angeles in 2024 as the first festival of its kind has now expanded internationally, with a sister edition launched in Addis Ababa this past January — solidifying KITFO as a cultural bridge between the diaspora and the continent.

This year’s festival takes place September 19–21 in Los Angeles, with programming across premier venues in the city. Expect a curated selection of films, masterclasses, networking, and celebratory events spotlighting emerging and established voices shaping the future of East African cinema.

KITFO FILM FESTIVAL 2025

EXCLUSIVE MASTERCLASS
WITH HAILE GERIMA

We are thrilled to announce that celebrated filmmaker Haile Gerima

will be joining us for a preview of his highly anticipated documentary, “BLACK LIONS, ROMAN WOLVES: THE CHILDREN OF ADWA."

 

In addition to the preview, Haile Gerima will host an exclusive masterclass, offering insights into his creative process and storytelling techniques. KITFO TV will also lead a fundraiser for this groundbreaking documentary, inviting attendees to support the completion of this important work.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most influential voices in Ethiopian cinema and contribute to preserving the stories of Ethiopian patriots. Join us at the KITFO TV Film Festival for an unforgettable celebration of culture and storytelling.

FEATURED TOPICS

Cultural Representation & Identity

Distribution & Market Access

Rise of East African Cinema

Funding and Financing 

Technology & Innovation

Speakers

VERONIKA
ZAKHAROVA

Senior UX Designer, TELIL

MURTY
YANG

Artist, Action Items LTD

HARRY
WILLIAMS

Co-Founder, Fixer

LISA
CROSS

Creative Director, HERO PAS

Agenda

Tuesday highlights

Nov. 20,2035

Wednesday highlights

Nov. 21, 2035

Hypersocial digital designs

Harry Williams

Data visualizing in the fake new era

Gerald de Andrade and Sheldon Smith

Future trends in graphic artistry

Ann Jacobs

3D and spatial design in graphics

Veronika Zakharova

For the detailed agenda, click here

Workshops

  • KITFO TV presents “Behind the Scenes: Cinematography, DP, Line Producer”
    Sat, Sep 21
  • KITFO TV presents “Storytelling as a Tool For Advocacy”
    Sat, Sep 21
  • KITFO TV presents “Promoting, Financing, Marketing Films in the new Hollywood”
    Sat, Sep 21

Haile Gerima Screening Venue
“BLACK LIONS, ROMAN WOLVES: THE CHILDREN OF ADWA."
In partnership with American Cinemateque

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ADDRESS

Aero Theatre
1328 Montana Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90403

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

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SPONSORS

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SUBMIT YOUR FILM

Showcase your story to a global audience celebrating East African cinema.

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Tickets

  • Sep 21, 2024, 10:00 AM PDT – Sep 22, 2024, 9:00 PM PDT
    The Miracle Theatre, Inglewood, CA, USA
    First of its kind festival for Ethiopians and Eritrean diaspora.

Interested in Sponsoring?

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