THE STORY OF PLANET AFRICA

Founded by Cameron Bailey in 1995, Planet Africa was a groundbreaking programme at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), dedicated to showcasing cinema from Africa and the African Diaspora.

Over its decade-long history, from 1995 to 2004, Planet Africa created an important platform for African and diasporic filmmakers, bringing their films, stories and perspectives to an international festival audience. The programme celebrated the breadth and diversity of African and diasporic cinema while creating opportunities for filmmakers and audiences to connect through the power of film.

More than a festival programme, Planet Africa became an important part of TIFF’s history and the wider story of Black cinema. Its films, filmmakers and creative voices contributed to a legacy that continues to resonate across generations and borders.

Planet Africa Legacy honours that history by preserving the programme’s record and making its films, people and stories accessible to audiences, researchers and future generations.