All Set For IREP Documentary Film Festival 2025
All is set for the 2025 iRepresent International Documentary Film Festival (iREP). This edition is scheduled to hold between March 27 and 30 in Lagos. Holding under the theme, ‘Freedom, Rights and Responsibility’, it will explore the intricate balance between personal freedoms and the collective responsibility that sustains a democracy. Set against the backdrop of contemporary global challenges, this year’s theme delves into the tension between individual rights — such as freedom of speech, personal autonomy, and the pursuit of prosperity — and the role of the state and institutions in curbing those freedoms in the interest of public safety, national security, or the rights of others. It also interrogates the impact of misinformation and disinformation in the digital age, where the line between truth and falsehood is often blurred.
According to festival Executive Director, Femi Odugbemi, “In an era of social media dominance, where the speed of information often outpaces truth, the festival seeks to explore how to safeguard the sanctity of truth and how to documentary filmmakers can continue to illuminate the realities of our time without compromising on the integrity of their craft.” Like previous editions, there will be screenings, panel conversations, workshops and masterclasses. Films that have been scheduled to screen at the three-day long festival include, ‘No Food For Lazy Man’ by Ummi Bukar, ‘In Transit’ by Tomisin Aderuku and ‘Steps To Freedom’ by Ruan Macan. Also scheduled is a three days training workshop on the ‘ABC of Adapting Literature for Film’ facilitated by Odugbemi, Agbo Keli and Bode Asiyanbi. Promoted as a yearly celebration of socially relevant storytelling, iREP serves as a platform for aspiring and established filmmakers to showcase documentaries that highlight and address issues impacting Africa. The festival seeks to foster cross-cultural creativity and provide a forum for innovation and dialogue in documentary filmmaking. Importantly, the festival provides an opportunity to engage with global audiences, explore emerging trends and contribute to the growing conversation around documentary storytelling. Additional information can be sourced at https://www.irepdocufilm.com
‘Homecoming For The Culture’ Is Theme For Coal City Film Festival
THE fifth edition of the yearly Coal City Film Festival (CCFF) will hold from March 27 to 29 in Enugu. To be held under the theme ‘Homecoming For The Culture’, the festival’s founder and director, Uche Agbo, explained that this edition and its theme aim to celebrate legends and fore-runners of the industry and also create mentorship opportunities for emerging filmmakers According to Agbo, “Coal City Film Festival has continued to serve as a global platform for filmmakers to showcase their talent, engage with industry stakeholders, and celebrate African storytelling. The 2025 edition promises to be our most vibrant yet as we will welcome all veterans and contemporary film practitioners to the Enugu state, the home of Nollywood and also celebrate the founders and pivotal stakeholders of Nollywood while honouring and rewarding the most deserving.” This edition will feature screening of feature films, documentaries, short films, and animations from talented filmmakers across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. There will also be panel discussions, workshops, networking sessions, and masterclasses facilitated by professionals in the industry.
Additionally, Agbo who is President of the Film Festival Association of Nigeria and Vice President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria hinted that the 2025 edition would introduce new industry initiatives aimed at fostering collaborations and investments in the African film industry. The festival is expected to close on March 29 with the Coal City film festival awards which aims at recognising outstanding achievements in filmmaking, acting, directing, and other key categories. Since its inception, CCFF has attracted filmmakers, actors, producers, and film enthusiasts from all around the world, promoting meaningful conversations and collaborations within the film sector.
Entries Open For Kaduna International Film Festival
THE Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF) has opened entries for the 2025 edition. Themed, ‘Film For Social Change’, the festival seeks impactful films that address key societal issues in Africa including early/child marriage, education, sexual and gender abuse, drug abuse among others. Entries can be made across various categories such as animation, feature, shorts, documentary, indigenous language films, among others. Executive Director and Founder of KADIFF, Audu Kashim Israel, had disclosed that submissions deadline for the festival’s eight edition is April 23, 2025, while the festival will hold August 26 to 30, 2025. Recently, Israel who doubles as Vice chairman Nigerian Film Festivals Association approved the appointment of Dr. Victor Okhai to serve as head, advisory board KADIFF. Other members of the board are Tony Akposheri, Ejike Asiegbu, Patience Ozokwo, Dr. Ahmed Sarari, Zack Orji, Keppy Ekpeyong, Seun Oloketuyi, Gloria Anozie, Malak Dahmouni from Morroco and Asha Lovelace (Trinidad and Tobago). Isreal believes that they will bring their wealth of experience, advice and contributions to the festival for the growth of the film circuit in Nigeria. Kaduna international Film Festival is promoted as the first international film festival in northern Nigeria, which started in 2018 to promote the country’s rich culture, arts, tourism, peace, empower and support the youth/girl child in different creative fields and bridge the gap in the northern film and creative industry.
