Stakeholders of Rivers International Film Festival RIFF have unveiled activities to mark this year’s festival.
At the unveiling was done at a press conference hosted by coordinators of RIFF, Amb. Kate Ezeigbo, the founder of RIFF, said that this year’s festival is sponsored by Desgol Entertainment Worldwide alongside other sponsors.
According to her, the festival will showcase storytelling and innovative creativities that will spotlight the roots and resilience of indigenous cultural strength across Africa.
She said this is RIFF’s third edition of indigenous African cinematic showcase geared towards promoting indigenous socio-cultural heritage and values through artistic brilliance and visual delight.
She added that the RIFF event will provide a platform to encourage collaboration across creative industries.
“Since inception, RIFF has created dynamic platform for producers, directors, students, and industry professionals to connect, learn, and celebrate artistic excellence.
“RIFF commitment goes beyond film, it is about building a creative bridge between culture, tourism, technology, innovation, and talent hunt,” Ezeigbo said.
She said the theme of this year is, “Roots and Resilience: Exploring the Strength and Resilience of Indigenous Culture.”
Guests outside River State would begin to arrive on October 30, while activities will start on October 31, and run through to November 2, 2025.
Activities include screening of 272 films submitted from across 75 countries; panel session and masterclass by experts in film production and storytelling. Free medicals, art, fashion and tech exhibitions, award night, cultural performance and empowerment will be part of the festival.
Dr. Ken Osunwa, the Coordinator of the festival said RIFF has trained over 50 staff that will be handling different roles at the event. He said the move was to enhance a smooth event. He said international resource persons were hired to train staff via webinar.
Mr. Aaron, a former BBC action trainer, and initiator of many radio drama like “Talk Your Own,” which is aired in so many radio stations across Nigeria will be present. Guests will include movie producers and directors from Zimbabwe and across the world.
He said the event will boost Rivers State economy. “We have our stories in our magazine, Atabala. Our effort is to improve the lives of Rivers people and to encourage them to be proud of our culture, hard work and resilience.
“Governor Sim Fubara’s administration endorsed last year, 2024’s festival. Due to the recent tensed political atmosphere in the state, he is yet to endorse this year’s festival.”
Others present at the press conference were Mr. Cromwell Chuku, one of RIFF’s stakeholders, a former state secretary of the Rivers State council of Nigeria Union of Journalist, Mr. Ike Wigodo and Mr. Godstime Christopher.
