Tenerife Hosts 10th AfroLatam Forum to Boost Independent Documentary Filmmaking

The tenth edition of the AfroLatam Forum, organized by the DOCanarias International Reality Film Festival, is set to become a key hub for the independent film industry. From September 9 to 11, Tenerife will host the event, bringing together filmmakers, production companies, and training experts from Africa, Latin America, and the Canary Islands to foster collaboration.

More than just a film showcase, the forum acts as a vital platform for the industry. It provides documentary filmmakers with opportunities to secure funding for new projects, find distribution for finished films, and participate in technical workshops. Supported by the Cabildo de Tenerife, the program features four working groups and various training sessions. Lope Afonso, the island’s vice president and head of Tourism, highlighted the event as a crucial driver for sharing knowledge and building cooperation across continents.

This year’s panel features six internationally acclaimed filmmakers: Ángeles Cruz (Mexico), David Pantaleón (Canary Islands), Nelson Carlo de los Santos Arias (Dominican Republic), Mileidy Orozco Domicó (Colombia), Asmae El Moudir (Morocco), and Kivu Ruhorahoza (Rwanda).

The forum arrives at a time when independent filmmakers are looking for alternatives to mainstream storytelling. For participants, the event is a chance to reflect on identity and Afro-indigenous cinema. Filmmakers like Ángeles Cruz emphasize that coexistence fuels creativity, while David Pantaleón notes the importance of building artistic connections away from market pressures. In an industry often driven by standardized content, the forum’s focus on geographic and cultural diversity is essential for keeping independent storytelling alive.