Hosted by the Institute of Art, Design + Technology (IADT), the annual congress brought together representatives from more than 180 film, television and media schools across over 60 countries. The gathering provided a platform for international collaboration, the exchange of teaching practices and discussions on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the screen industries.
As a full and active member of CILECT for the past 20 years, Afda participates in a global network committed to advancing excellence in film, television and media education. Its presence at the congress reflects the institution's commitment to international engagement, continuous innovation and preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to a rapidly evolving creative economy.
This year's congress explored the theme Film Education: ReMastered, examining how technological change, new creative practices and evolving industry expectations are reshaping the way film and media are taught.
Key discussions focused on artificial intelligence and authorship, resilience and sustainability, and the evolving relationship between experienced practitioners and the next generation of creative talent. These conversations speak directly to the challenges facing creative institutions as they balance emerging technologies with the craft, critical thinking and distinctive perspectives that underpin compelling storytelling.
For Afda CEO Diaan Lawrenson, the opportunity to engage with leading international institutions reinforced the value of being part of a global community of creative educators.
"Engaging in meaningful dialogue with internationally renowned institutions, including the London Film School, Stockholm Film & Television School, Pratt Institute in New York and the Institute of Art, Design and Technology in Ireland, has once again affirmed Afda's position at the forefront of creative education," says Lawrenson.
"As a proud member of the prestigious CILECT community, Afda benefits from a truly global, forward-thinking network in which educational excellence, international best practice and the future of the creative industries are shared, explored and shaped."
Lawrenson adds that the congress provided an important opportunity to consider how creative education must evolve alongside the industry it serves.
"It was an enriching and thought-provoking gathering, reaffirming the importance of collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to the future of creative education. Afda remains firmly aligned with international best practice, continually evolving and embracing new possibilities as we prepare our students to become confident, innovative and distinctive creative voices on the global stage."
For Henriette de Villiers, Afda's chief operating officer, CILECT provides an important platform for institutions to share knowledge, address common challenges and build relationships that can benefit both educators and students.
Founded in 1954, CILECT brings together institutions committed to high standards in audiovisual education, facilitating international dialogue and opportunities for collaboration. Its global network connects educators and creative practitioners working across diverse cultural and educational contexts.
"In my capacity as COO, I manage Afda's participation in CILECT conferences, including those held in Beijing in 2024 and Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2025," says de Villiers. "With 180 audiovisual educational institutions from across the world, CILECT provides a valuable annual opportunity for members to explore challenges arising from technological developments in our educational landscape, to share proposed solutions and approaches, and to promote worldwide exposure and opportunities for Afda students and alumni."
The congress also offered a significant opportunity to showcase South African academic research and creative thought on an international platform.
A highlight of the congress was Dr Temara Prem's presentation, Pain Travels, Joy Stays Home: Struggle Narratives and the Idea of Exportable Cinema.
Her work explored questions surrounding the representation of struggle in cinema and the ways in which stories rooted in particular cultural and historical contexts travel across international audiences.
The presentation resonated with delegates from different parts of the world, demonstrating the relevance of South African film scholarship to wider international conversations about cinema, identity and storytelling.
For Prem, Afda's presence at CILECT reflects the institution's place within the global community of film and media education.
"Amongst many globally recognised film, television and performance schools across the globe, Afda truly holds a seat at the table, representing African excellence in teaching methods and quality of student productions," says Prem.
Afda's participation in CILECT 2026 reinforces the value of international collaboration in an industry where technology, audiences and creative practices continue to evolve.
As the creative economy continues to expand and transform, Afda's involvement in the CILECT community reflects its ambition to develop graduates who can work across disciplines, engage critically with emerging technologies and bring original perspectives to the global stage.
Lastly, Afda would like to thank CILECT for organising the conference and for Institute of Art, Design + Technology (IADT) for hosting the conference.
