ENIFF 2025: New era of storytelling, innovation

The Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival (ENIFF), an initiative of the Eastern Nigeria Film and Arts Initiative (ENFAI), is set to return for its sixth edition. This year’s festival will be an immersive experience, fostering bold storytelling, innovative filmmaking, and cross-cultural collaboration.

With the theme ‘Rethink, Reimagine, Reframe’, ENIFF 2025 invites filmmakers, artists, and visionaries to challenge the narratives that define our world, explore new creative approaches, and reshape cinema as a force for transformation.

“This year’s theme is a call to action for storytellers to push boundaries and rethink the role of cinema in shaping perspectives and histories,” Festival Director of ENIFF, Ujuaku Akukwe said.

As technology continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression and cultures converge in new ways, the festival will be a space to engage in conversations that shape the future of storytelling.

A major highlight of this year’s edition is the introduction of AI-generated films, showcasing how artificial intelligence is influencing filmmaking and expanding creative possibilities. This year also marks the launch of the Micro-Cinema category, celebrating short-form digital storytelling as a powerful medium for contemporary filmmakers. Recognising the impact of platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, ENIFF is embracing the evolution of storytelling in the digital age.

ENIFF 2025 will also feature a cross-cultural collaboration, bringing together filmmakers, cultural scholars, and industry professionals from Nigeria, Germany, and beyond. As part of this exchange, renowned journalist and filmmaker Karin Helmstaedt and filmmaker and TV journalist Willie Schumann from Germany’s global TV broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW-TV) will share their expertise. Karin, known for her investigative storytelling and reporting, will lead discussions on how film shapes historical narratives and public memory.

Masterclasses and workshops will remain an integral part of the festival, offering valuable learning experiences led by industry professionals. This year, participants will have the opportunity to engage in sessions focused on AI in film and storytelling, smartphone filmmaking, investigative storytelling, documentary production, and screenwriting. ENIFF continues to provide platforms for learning and professional growth, ensuring that African filmmakers have access to global industry knowledge.

In addition to its festival lineup, ENIFF 2025 will support the development of new creative works through its documentary initiative, designed to document the essence of Southeast Nigeria. The project will explore the region’s people, traditions, spirituality, and evolving narratives, with the potential for exhibition and screenings on international platforms.

As ENIFF 2025 approaches, filmmakers, artists, and audiences are encouraged to engage in this transformative festival experience. “ENIFF remains committed to amplifying diverse voices and fostering meaningful exchanges.” Ujuaku added. The festival remains a premier platform dedicated to African storytelling, creative innovation, and industry networking. Submissions for this year’s edition are now open, with further details on programming, ticket sales, and special events to be shared on ENIFF’s official channels.