Takeaways

• The 4th iKON Film and Television Awards will take place on December 12, 2026, at Kampala Serena Hotel under the theme “Beyond Borders.”
• The 2026 roadmap introduces iKON Activate Johannesburg in partnership with filmmaker Thapelo Mokoena, expanding the awards’ engagement across Africa.
• Organisers will launch iKON Society, a creative community platform offering networking, learning, resources, and financing opportunities for African creatives.

The fourth edition of the iKON Film and Television Awards has been confirmed for Saturday, December 12, 2026, at the Kampala Serena Hotel under the theme “Beyond Borders.”

The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Reach A Hand Africa headquarters in Lungujja, where organisers unveiled the 2026 roadmap, marking a major shift in the awards’ calendar.

The ceremony will move from its traditional March schedule to December to allow for a series of iKON Activate engagements across Africa, aimed at bringing the theme to life through cross-border collaborations, conversations, and opportunities for creatives.

The 2026 programme will include the screening of the iKON Young Filmmakers’ Fellowship short films, the unveiling of nominees, the nominees’ brunch, and the African Film Forum.

iKON Activate Expands to Johannesburg

A major addition to this year’s programme is iKON Activate Johannesburg, scheduled for October 22–26, 2026, in partnership with South African actor, producer, and filmmaker Thapelo Mokoena.

iKON Activate is a pan-African engagement platform designed to create opportunities for dialogue, networking, and collaboration between African creatives and their wider ecosystems. The initiative has previously been hosted in Lagos, Nairobi, and Kigali, with a London edition planned for April 2027.

Speaking virtually from South Africa, Mokoena welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important platform for strengthening African storytelling through collaboration.

“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,” Mokoena said.

A special delegation of actors, directors, and other creatives will be led by Joy Efe Odiete, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Pictures Entertainment Group (Nigeria and South Africa).

Registration for filmmakers and interested participants remains open until August 20, 2026.

Expanding African Film Collaborations

iKON Awards Founder and CEO Humphrey Nabimanya said the Activate engagements have already produced significant milestones, including collaborations that are creating new opportunities for African filmmakers.

“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 added that the initiative has also launched a Uganda-Kenya co-production under the O3plus project, bringing together filmmakers from both countries to tell stories addressing important social issues.

“These collaborations demonstrate the power of iKON Activate in creating meaningful cross-border partnerships that are expanding opportunities for African filmmakers,” Nabimanya added.

Launch of iKON Society

The 2026 roadmap will also feature the launch of the iKON Society, a premium subscription-based community designed for creatives.

The platform will provide members with curated learning opportunities, strategic connections, exclusive resources, and access to financing opportunities aimed at supporting growth within Africa’s creative industry.

The press conference was attended by representatives from partners and sponsors including Black, Kampala Serena Hotel, Divine Resort, Uganda Airlines, Zinule Coffee, Foton Motors, Mirembe Villas, Alliance Française Kampala, Radiant, the National Producers’ Guild of Uganda, ATS Events, Afromobile, Africa Creatives Alliance, Print Creations, and UNESCO.

iKON Awards 2026 Roadmap

• August 15, 2026: iKON Society Launch – introducing a network that connects filmmakers, fosters collaboration, and mobilises resources for industry growth.
• October 22–26, 2026: iKON Activate Johannesburg and iKON Nominees Unveiling.
• November 21, 2026: iKON Nominees Brunch.
• December 7–10, 2026: iKON Africa Film Forum – bringing together local and international film professionals for discussions, knowledge sharing, and industry opportunities.
• December 11, 2026: iKON Fellows Short Films Screening – showcasing films produced by young filmmakers.
• December 12, 2026: The 4th iKON Awards Ceremony.
• December 19, 2026: Winners and Partners Brunch.