Wildscreen will host its fourth African edition this year, from June 11 to 12, in Nairobi, Kenya, supported by Wildstar Foundation, which is backed by Fremantle’s Wildstar Films.
Wildscreen had its first African edition in 2023, in Nairobi, before heading to Tanzania and Botswana, delivering industry talks, panels, premieres, and networking opportunities. More than 200 delegates from the region and beyond are expected to attend.
Producer and director Faith Musembi (Queens, Chasing the Rains, Lion) chairs the 2026 edition. “Seeds planted at that first festival in Kenya in 2023 have since grown into jobs, commissions, and meaningful industry collaborations and partnerships,” Musembi said. “It feels like a full-circle moment for our community, while also driving us to keep investing in and developing our own talent and creative economy within the wildlife genre.”
Vanessa Berlowitz, co-Founder of Wildstar Foundation, said: “We were lucky enough to have Faith lend her creativity and authenticity to Wildstar Films’ Queens at the beginning of her directing journey, and we are proud that she continues to collaborate with us through the Wildstar Foundation today. The Foundation was built on the belief that, in a time of crisis, our planet needs authentic, global storytellers. It’s a belief that is embodied by this Nairobi-based Wildscreen festival, and we are honoured to support Faith, the event, and the community it reaches.
Lucie Muir, CEO of Wildscreen, said: “Faith is not only an immensely talented filmmaker, but she continues to break ground within the wildlife storytelling genre globally, both with the stories she tells and the storytellers she nurtures. She’s a true visionary who opens doors, widens them, and keeps them open for underrepresented and authentic voices to tell and own their own stories. We’re honoured to have her as Chair and so thankful to Wildstar Foundation and all our partners and community for standing alongside us to deliver Wildscreen Festival Kenya as part of our goal to nurture a more equitable natural history industry.”
The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and BBC Studios Natural History Unit are also sponsors of the event.
