23/10/2025
By Odungweru Ayo H
The 2025 edition of the Rivers International Film Festival, RIFF, on Wednesday 22nd of October, 2025, officially unveiled in Port Harcourt.
The event, organized by Desgol Entertainment Worldwide, took place at the Algate Congress Hotel and Resort, GRA Phase 3, with filmmakers, creative industry stakeholders, and members of the press in attendance.
This year’s festival carries the theme — “Roots and Resilience: Exploring the Strength and Resilience of Indigenous Cultures.”
Festival Director, Kate Chidinma Ezeigbo, said the 3rd edition of RIFF will celebrate unique storytelling and cultural identity through film, highlighting the creativity and innovation that define Africa’s indigenous heritage.
“RIFF is more than a film festival; it’s a bridge linking culture, tourism, and technology, positioning Rivers State as a creative hub for talent and opportunity.”
The four-day event will run from October 30th to November 2nd, 2025, at Downtown Cinema and Ezewali Event Center, Eneka Road, Port Harcourt, with over a thousand participants expected, including filmmakers, students, investors, and media professionals.
Among the festival’s highlights are:
Screenings of more than 270 films from 65 countries, Masterclasses and panel sessions with industry experts,
The Pitch Your Content competition for creators, Art, fashion, and tech exhibitions,
Also the Tour Rivers Initiative will showcasing the state’s tourism potential, and the glamorous RIFF Awards Night celebrating excellence in film and creativity.
The festival will also feature free medical outreach, cultural performances, and skill acquisition programs for young creatives under its RIFF Empowers initiative.
Since its inception, the Rivers International Film Festival has helped nurture emerging filmmakers and promoted collaboration within Nigeria’s growing creative economy.
Last year alone, the RIFF Free Medicals Initiative provided free healthcare services to about one thousand people, including 25 surgeries and the distribution of 300 medicated eyeglasses — all at no cost to beneficiaries.
The 2025 edition of the festival is designed to: Showcase the strength and legacy of indigenous cultures through authentic storytelling; Encourage collaboration and innovation within the film and digital creative industries; Empower young filmmakers through mentorship and hands-on exposure, Drive film tourism and creative investment in Rivers State and Promote diversity and cultural unity across Africa and the world.
Over the years, RIFF has played a key role in empowering emerging creatives, providing exposure and real opportunities in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
In 2024, the RIFF Free Medicals Initiative provided free medical care to over 1,000 individuals, conducted 25 successful surgeries, and distributed 300 medicated eyeglasses, all at zero cost.
RIFF continues to inspire innovation, promote storytelling, and boost the creative economy of Rivers State, positioning it as a center for global artistic exchange.
The Festival Director, Kate Chidinma Ezeigbo, expressed deep gratitude to RIFF’s partners, sponsors, and media allies for their unwavering support. She also acknowledged the Rivers State Government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, for their continuous partnership in promoting film and culture in the state.
Festival Director Kate Ezeigbo encouraged the public to participate in the 2025 edition, describing it as a celebration of African resilience and a showcase of the power of storytelling from Rivers State to the world
