The fourth edition of the iKON Film and Television Awards is set to take place on December 12, 2026, in Kampala, Uganda, with organisers unveiling an expanded year-long programme that includes a new Johannesburg edition of iKON Activate. Organisers announced the new date during a press conference on Tuesday, July 21, at the Reach A Hand Africa headquarters in Kampala, saying the ceremony has been moved to December to allow for a broader calendar of activities designed to foster collaboration and professional development across the African film industry. ALSO READ: Filmmakers brace for regional boost as iKON Awards expand Among the highlights of the 2026 roadmap is iKON Activate Johannesburg, which will take place from October 22-26 in partnership with South African actor, producer and filmmaker Thapelo Mokoena. The iKON Activate platform brings together filmmakers and other creatives from across the continent to network, exchange ideas and explore collaboration opportunities. Previous editions have been held in Lagos, Nairobi and Kigali, while a London edition is planned for April 2027. Speaking virtually during the announcement, Mokoena said the Johannesburg programme would provide an opportunity for African filmmakers to engage with South Africa's film industry and build partnerships. The Activate will be a phenomenal opportunity for filmmakers and creatives from across Africa to interact with South Africa's film ecosystem, with a view to learning from each other and building synergies that will take Africa's film industry to the next level, he said. Registration for filmmakers and other participants interested in attending the Johannesburg programme will remain open until August 20, 2026. Humphrey Nabimanya, founder and CEO of the iKON Awards, said the Activate initiative has already resulted in cross-border productions, including Dambe, an upcoming Uganda-Nigeria feature film directed by Nollywood filmmaker Ramsey Nouah and starring veteran Ugandan actor Michael Wawuyo Sr. So far, we have recorded significant milestones through the iKON Activate engagements across Africa. These include a landmark Uganda-Nigeria collaboration that culminated in the upcoming feature film Dambe, directed by Nollywood veteran Ramsey Nouah and featuring legendary Ugandan actor Michael Wawuyo Sr,” Nabimanya said. He also pointed to a Uganda-Kenya co-production under the O3plus project, which brings together filmmakers from both countries to produce stories addressing social issues. According to Nabimanya, the collaborations demonstrate the role of iKON Activate in creating opportunities for African filmmakers beyond their home countries. The 2026 programme will also see the launch of the iKON Society, a subscription-based community intended to provide filmmakers with learning opportunities, strategic networking and improved access to industry resources and financing.
