2026 African Film Festival Atlanta Celebrates 'Stand Together as One'

The 5th edition of the festival explores the power of music and collective action to drive global change.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:00pm

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The 2026 African Film Festival Atlanta is set to showcase a powerful documentary, 'Stand Together As One: The Famine, The Music, The Impact', which traces how frontline reporting on the 1983 Ethiopian famine sparked an unprecedented global response, including the historic collaboration that united artists like Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones for the recording of 'We Are the World'. The festival's 5-day program reflects on music's ability to mobilize compassion, raise millions, and create a blueprint for collective action.

Why it matters

The African Film Festival Atlanta is a leading platform for showcasing diverse African stories and perspectives. This year's theme, 'CTRL + CULTURE = AFRICA'S NEXT CINEMA CODE', highlights how filmmakers are leveraging technology and culture to redefine the language of African storytelling on a global stage.

The details

The documentary 'Stand Together As One' revisits the 1983 Ethiopian famine and the pivotal role played by frontline journalists in exposing the humanitarian crisis. It features the final on-camera interviews with iconic figures like Harry Belafonte and USA for Africa organizer Ken Kragen, and explores how the recording of 'We Are the World' galvanized worldwide support and relief efforts.

  • The 5th edition of the African Film Festival Atlanta is taking place from March 26th to March 30th, 2026.
  • The screening of 'Stand Together As One' is scheduled for March 29th, 2026.

The players

African Film Festival Atlanta (AFFATL)

The leading platform for showcasing diverse African stories and perspectives, powered by the African Film & Arts Foundation Inc. (AFAF).

Chip Duncan

The director of the documentary 'Stand Together As One: The Famine, The Music, The Impact'.

Salim Amin

The producer of the documentary 'Stand Together As One: The Famine, The Music, The Impact'.

Harry Belafonte

An iconic figure who was featured in the final on-camera interviews for the documentary.

Ken Kragen

The organizer of USA for Africa, who was also featured in the final on-camera interviews for the documentary.

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What’s next

The African Film Festival Atlanta will continue its 5-day program, showcasing a diverse selection of films from Africa and the diaspora.

The takeaway

The 2026 African Film Festival Atlanta is poised to captivate audiences with its powerful exploration of how music and collective action can drive global change, highlighting the evolving language of African storytelling in a digital, globalized world.