FAME Week Africa has announced the finalists for the 2026 Inclusive Lens Awards, shining a spotlight on film and television productions that are helping create more authentic and inclusive representation on African screens.
The awards recognise storytelling across three important areas: Disability Representation, LGBTQIA+ Representation, and Diversity & Inclusion in Kids Programming. This year’s finalists include an impressive range of scripted and unscripted films and series from South Africa and across the continent, as well as international productions.
What makes these awards particularly meaningful is their focus on authentic representation. The nominated productions explore disability, identity, culture, belonging and diversity in stories that allow people from underrepresented communities to be seen as complex, fully realised individuals—not simply defined by one aspect of their identity.
Among the disability representation finalists are ThisAbility, Nkanyezi, Melusi, Amigo the Griot, Concerto and Amazina Mbuyaga. The LGBTQIA+ categories feature productions including Black Burns Fast, Everything Between Us, Pride: The Queer Show and Youngins – Season 3. Children’s programming finalists include Bluey – African Language Localisations, Hadu, Jabu’s Jungle and Eyes of Wakanda.
The Inclusive Lens Awards remind us that representation matters—but how people are represented matters just as much. By celebrating creators who are widening the lens, FAME Week Africa is helping encourage an entertainment industry where more voices, experiences and perspectives have a place.
The winners will be announced on 29 October 2026 during FAME Week Africa in Cape Town.
Read the full article on ThisAbility Newspaper here.