From Victor Edozie, in Port Harcourt
No fewer than 272 films from 65 countries will be screened at the third edition of the Rivers International Film Festival (RIFF), scheduled to hold from October 30th to November 2nd, 2025, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The festival, themed “Roots and Resilience: Exploring the Strength and Resilience of Indigenous Cultures,” will spotlight African and global creativity while promoting Rivers State as a safe, thriving destination for culture, film, and investment.
Speaking during a media briefing in Port Harcourt, Festival Director, Kate Chidinma Ezeigbo, said the 2025 edition aims to strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy by exploring the intersection of film, culture, tourism, and innovation.
“Our 2025 edition will screen 272 films from 65 countries — a clear testament to how far the Rivers International Film Festival has grown in spotlighting indigenous creativity and global collaboration,” said Festival Director, Kate Chidinma Ezeigbo. “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.”
“This year, RIFF is about storytelling that connects our roots to our resilience as Africans. 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,” Ezeigbo said.
She added that the festival would feature screenings, masterclasses, exhibitions, and cultural tours designed to showcase the state’s heritage and talent. “We have carefully selected our programmes, including free medical outreach where we recorded 25 surgeries in the last edition. Our efforts are helping people understand our culture while improving lives,” she said.
Ezeigbo also revealed that the RIFF Free Medicals Initiative will continue this year, offering free checkups, treatments, and surgeries for participants, alongside talent hunts, pitch sessions for content creators, and youth skill acquisition programmes.
“The essence of RIFF is not just entertainment; it’s social impact. We gave free medical diagnosis and treatment to about 1,000 people last year, and we’re doing even more this year. It’s our way of giving back,” she explained.
The festival will also feature panel sessions with leading filmmakers and industry experts, art and fashion exhibitions, and the Tour Rivers Initiative — a cultural tourism drive to unveil hidden historical and scenic sites across the state.
Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Rivers State Chapter, and RIFF Board of Trustees member, Dr. Ken Osunwa, said the event will redefine global perceptions of Rivers State.
“We are changing the narrative of Rivers State,” Osunwa declared. “For too long, the state has been known for political instability. Now, through RIFF, we are showing the world that Rivers is safe, beautiful, and ready for investment in tourism and the creative economy.”
He added that the festival will draw over 30,000 attendees, including filmmakers, students, investors, and media professionals, providing networking opportunities for stakeholders across Africa and beyond.
“This is not just a film festival—it’s a movement to showcase the power of creativity from Rivers State to the world,” Osunwa said.
Organised by Desgol Entertainment Worldwide, RIFF 2025 will be held at Downtown Cinema, Ezewali Event Center, Port Harcourt.
The four-day celebration will culminate in the RIFF Awards Night, where outstanding works in film, creativity, and innovation will be recognised.
