The Voice Vibes
By Yunus S Saliu
The festival held from October 8 to 11, 2026, brought together filmmakers, cultural practitioners, industry stakeholders and audiences to explore the diversity of African experiences through cinema.
The annual event provides a platform for African and diaspora filmmakers to tell their own stories, share their perspectives and connect global audiences with the richness of the continent’s cultures and communities.
Ash Kalra, a member of California’s 25th Assembly District, said African films had created a unique space for filmmakers from Africa and the diaspora to share their stories and connect audiences with the continent’s diversity.
In his opening remarks, Chike C. Nwoffiah, founding director of SVAFF, welcomed participants to what he described as a celebration of the vibrant storytelling, culture and artistry that define African and diaspora cinema.
He said the 2026 edition featured an impressive line-up of 76 films from 33 countries, covering a range of stories, from gripping dramas to documentaries, while highlighting the talent and creativity of African filmmakers and those in the diaspora.
“Together, we shine a light on African and diaspora stories and ensure their resonance here in Silicon Valley and beyond,” Nwoffiah said.
Among the films screened were Queen Kitami by Arnold Abayo of Uganda; 40 Years of Crafting Africa by David Akwaara of Nigeria; Shadow and Light: A Refugee’s Journey by Tahan Patrick Consantino of the United States; What Shall I Wear for My Funeral by Robert Mutabi Macharia of Kenya; Weight by Nico Abot of Zimbabwe; and Where I Got My Name: Down in Mississippi by Jea Lenoir of the United States.
A major highlight of the festival was the presentation of the 2026 Icon Award to Gambian musician, educator and cultural innovator Dr Sohna Jobarteh in recognition of her contribution to African music, scholarship and cultural promotion.
Presenting the honour, Nwoffiah described Jobarteh as The Gambia’s gift to the world and praised her achievements in promoting African cultural heritage through music and education.
According to the citation, Dr Jobarteh is internationally recognised as the first female professional virtuoso of the kora to emerge from one of West Africa’s historic griot dynasties, challenging a centuries-old tradition in which mastery of the instrument was passed predominantly from father to son.
The festival described the Icon Award as its highest honour, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated sustained commitment to promoting Africa and its diaspora through creative expression.
It noted that Jobarteh’s music, scholarship, advocacy and educational initiatives had contributed to global understanding of African culture while inspiring people across generations and continents.
Sheikh A. Tejan Nyang, co-proprietor and adviser to the head of school at the Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia (ITTOG), also received recognition for his contribution to the tourism industry.
Nyang attended the festival as an ambassador of Bakadaji Hotel, one of the event’s sponsors.
He congratulated Dr Sohna Jobarteh on the award, describing her as a visionary who had played an important role in promoting The Gambia as a tourism destination.
He also highlighted her ideas on strengthening education through traditional knowledge and local approaches, urging stakeholders to support her educational initiatives.
Speaking about The Gambia’s tourism appeal, Nyang described the country as a peaceful destination renowned for its friendly people, wildlife experiences and hospitality.
He also promoted Bakadaji Hotel as a welcoming establishment offering local and international cuisine, an environmentally conscious atmosphere and hospitable services.
The festival also provided an opportunity to highlight humanitarian cooperation between the diaspora and The Gambia through the participation of the Sunnu Reew Medical Mission.
The organisation coordinates initiatives that bring volunteer medical personnel to Gambian hospitals and facilitate donations of medical supplies and equipment to the Ministry of Health.
Lission Richards, the mission’s team leader and chief executive, said the organisation considered giving back to communities an important responsibility.
Wolla Badjie, a Gambian medical professional based in the United Kingdom and a member of the Sunnu Reew team, also stressed the need for continued support for the country’s healthcare sector.
“Our country needs support in the medical field, and we need to support them by all means possible,” Badjie said.
Looking ahead, SVAFF, Sunnu Reew, Bakadaji Hotel and ITTOG are planning a group visit to The Gambia from May 2 to 9, 2027, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the publication of Alex Haley’s Roots and celebrate the historical and cultural connections between Africa and its diaspora.
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