More than 150 have been nominated for the prestigious Mashariki Awards' Iziwacu category with each of the winners of People’s Choice categories set to receive a car.

Mashariki awards will take place on the closing day of the 2025 Mashariki African Film Festival which will take place in Kigali from November 22to 29.

Under the theme "Creative Horizons”, the 11th edition will celebrate excellence, creativity, and the diverse voices shaping African cinema.

The festival will bring together filmmakers, actors, producers, and industry professionals for a week-long showcase of African storytelling, including a three-day film market expected to attract 500 delegates from the United States, Canada, Europe, and across Africa.

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Speaking on the theme, Tresor Senga, Executive Director of the festival, said the theme of the festival conveys the dynamic changes in how Africa is represented through film.

"By embracing technology, African filmmakers are reshaping narratives, reclaiming their stories, and reflecting the continent’s diversity and complexity,” said Senga.

This year’s awards will recognize achievements across categories such as Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Roles, Best Upcoming Talent, and Lifetime Achievement Awards for both male and female industry icons, as well as film technicians.

For the first time ever, the winners of the People’s Choice Actor and Actress awards will drive away in a new car, highlighting the festival’s ongoing dedication to honoring African talent.

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Beyond the awards, nominees will gain access to the Mashariki Residence, Mashariki Academy, and Mashariki Market, platforms designed to foster creativity, build capacity, and connect filmmakers with global opportunities.

In its 11th year, the Mashariki African Film Festival remains committed to showcasing established legends and fresh voices.

Voting

To ensure transparency, winners for the people’s choice actor and actress will be entirely decided through public votes.

"To avoid malpractices, only the public votes will be considered for this particular category. We shall let the public decide the People’s Choice at 100%. Each nominee has own code via which people can use to vote,” explained Senga.

Unlike the Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Upcoming actor and Upcoming actress categories which will produce People&039;s Choice Actor and Actress, winners in other categories will be decided by the MAFF jury.

The same jury will decide winners in the Mashariki Awards' international categories namely best feature and best short film among others.

Full list of Mashariki Awards’ Iziwacu nominations

Best Actor

Best Actress

Best Supporting Actor

Best Supporting Actress

Upcoming actor

Upcoming actress

Lifetime male

Lifetime female

Director

Best lighting technician

Best Director of Photography

Screenwriter

Sound engineer

TV Series

Feature film

Web series

Media house partner

Best Editor

Best short film

Makeup and hairstyling

Costume Design

Set production designer

People’s Choice Actor

People’s Choice Actress