Elevate Africa has opened applications for the 2026 edition of the Threads of Africa Fashion Film Prize, a pan-African project dedicated to preserving the continent’s textile heritage.
Themed “Stories of Rebirth,” the competition aims to revive indigenous African textiles and traditional craftsmanship techniques that are at risk of disappearing due to lack of investment, poor infrastructure, and fading traditional knowledge passed down through generations. Elevate Africa seeks to achieve this by using the power of films centrally focused on fashion.
The programme invites designers, filmmakers, students, and creative teams from Africa and the diaspora to create short fashion micro-films. Each entry must be at least five minutes long and combine documentary storytelling with behind-the-scenes footage. These films should explore the cultural importance of endangered textiles and show how traditional techniques can be reimagined for modern garment making.
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Since its successful launch in 2024, the initiative has gained strong momentum. That first edition attracted over 520 participants from Nigeria and several West African countries, celebrating the region’s rich creative talent. Past winners include Adeyoola Adenusi of Adeyoola’s Rehab and Tammytara Abaku of The Abiyetara Brand from Nigeria, along with Ghana’s Philip-Oppong Antwi of Phyll Quahsey.
For 2026, Elevate Africa has significantly increased the prize money offering up to $25,000 in non-dilutive grants. Winners will also receive mentorship, international exposure at Elevate Africa’s 2026 Convening in Ghana, and promotional support across various platforms.
The organisers believe the programme will help strengthen collaboration across Africa, spark important conversations about the creative economy, and support the growth of a more competitive African fashion industry.
Fashion creatives from across the continent and the diaspora are encouraged to apply through the official Threads of Africa website.