Port Harcourt is preparing to welcome filmmakers, artists, and culture enthusiasts from around the world as the 2025 Rivers International Film Festival (RIFF) takes centre stage at the end of this month.
With 272 films from 65 countries lined up for screening, the city is set to become a hub of global creativity and cultural exchange.
Festival Director, Kate Ezeigbo, revealed that this year’s edition will feature films from 211 African countries and 70 from other continents. Themed “Roots and Resilience: Exploring the Strength and Resilience of Indigenous Cultures,” the four-day festival will run from October 30 to November 2, 2025.
According to Ezeigbo, RIFF 2025 aims to celebrate the power of storytelling while positioning Rivers State as a thriving destination for film, culture, and investment. She explained that the event will explore the intersection of film, tourism, and innovation as a way to strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy.
“Through these films, we are celebrating the strength and resilience of our roots, telling authentic African stories, and positioning Rivers State as a creative and cultural powerhouse,” she said.
Ezeigbo added that this year’s edition focuses on storytelling that connects roots to resilience across Africa. “We want to use film to revive cultural institutions and show the world that Rivers State is not just peaceful but open for business and creativity,” she noted.
The third edition of RIFF also aims to foster collaboration and innovation across film, digital media, and cultural industries. It will provide young filmmakers with opportunities for mentorship, exposure, and hands-on experience while promoting film tourism and investment within the state.
Ezeigbo, who also serves as the National Chairman-elect of the Nigerian Film Festival Association, announced that the festival will include free medical services for guests and participants, offering check-ups, treatments, and surgeries by licensed health professionals.
She highlighted RIFF’s continued commitment to empowering emerging creatives through training and partnerships that lead to real industry opportunities. “Our festival continues to drive innovation, inspire unique storytelling, and promote the creative economy in Rivers State and beyond,” she said.
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