Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) will hold its long-awaited third session in Cape Town from October 30 to November 2, 2026. The event is scheduled to take place in various locations, including the V&A Waterfront and Robben Island.
The festival will present a carefully curated collection of films, offering a curated screening of high-quality African and Middle Eastern cinema under this year's theme: 'Our Land, Our Heritage.'
William Williams, the festival's creative director, who is also a filmmaker and co-founder of African Film DAO, told IOL that 'organizing a film festival in the historical context of a former political prison requires a deep understanding of both the physical environment and the ingrained memories associated with it.'
She added that this aligns perfectly with the socio-political spirit of HACC, as well as a deep commitment to community and collaboration.
A Quality-Oriented Approach
Under Williams' leadership, the festival's curation philosophy focuses on professionals and audiences who value a high cinematic standard. Williams told IOL that 'there is so much out there, and I think the audience, buyers, and talent scouts appreciate this straightforward approach.'
She emphasized that the festival is impartial: 'At HACC, we look not at the names attached to projects, but at the quality of the work.'
Furthermore, she confirmed that some films previously shown at top-tier festivals will receive their African premieres at HACC 2026.
Williams' personal innovative works significantly influence the festival's forward-looking financial focus. Her 2020 feature film 'Two Hues', which she wrote, co-produced, and starred in, explores the internal landscapes of trauma and patriarchy, telling the story of a woman with bipolar disorder battling PTSD and sexual violence.
In early 2022, 'Two Hues' became a historic project as it was the first short film in Africa financed through non-fungible tokens (NFTs). This successful search for transparent, decentralized capital led to the creation of African Film DAO, paving the way for HACC 2026's emphasis on alternative capital.
Celebrating African Cinema
The launch of HACC 2026 marks a critical moment for the continent's creative economy, impartially bringing fintech, smart contracts, and DAO governance onto the cinematic stage.
