RIFF 2nd Edition Set To Boost Rivers Tourism Sector With 172 Countries Film Submissions

Excitement builds around the creative industry as RIFF 2024 approaches, for the selection of films that will address critical themes such as gender inequality, social justice and indigenous culture intrigues

This was revealed by the promoters of Rivers International Film Festival RIFF that promises to be a major event, positioning Rivers State as a hub for creative and cultural exchange on the international stage while also empowering the next generation of filmmakers to focus on fostering  diversity, and cultural exchange within the film creativity, industry.

Organisers of  RIFF -Desgol Entertainment Worldwide at a press conference held at the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, on Thursday, said the event is set to return for its second edition which will run from October 24 to 27, 2024

The Founder and Festival Director of RIFF, Kate Ezeigbo explained that RIFF was birthed in October 2023 as the first indigenous film festival in Rivers State, whose aim is to provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase compelling narratives from around the world.

Ezeigbo while highlighting the festival’s milestones and its growing impact noted that “last year, we received 582 films from 82 countries. This year, we are proud to announce that we have over 2,230 submissions from 172 countries, including major entries from the United States and India.

“This year as part of our social impact responsibility to the creative industry, we initiated the RIFF free medicals, RIFF empowers, Pitch your project, tour Rivers initiative and Rivers film Project.

“Secondly, we intend to use this platform to reach out to all the necessary parastatals and agencies involved to have a structured health scheme plan for Nollywood practitioners.In their determination to educate and empower the next generation of filmmakers, the organisers of Rivers International Film Festival RIFF; Desgol Entertainment Worldwide is set to return for its second edition.

The event which will run from October 24 to 27, would focus on fostering creativity, diversity, and cultural exchange within the film industry.

At a press conference at the Presidential Hotel in Port Harcourt, on Thursday, the Founder and Festival Director of RIFF, Kate Ezeigbo explained that RIFF was birthed in October 2023 as the first indigenous film festival in Rivers State, whose aim is to provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase compelling narratives from around the world.

Ezeigbo while highlighting the festival’s milestones and its growing impact noted that “last year, we received 582 films from 82 countries.This year, we are proud to announce that we have over 2,230 submissions from 172 countries, including major entries from the United States and India.

“This year as part of our social impact responsibility to the creative industry, we initiated the RIFF free medicals, RIFF empowers, Pitch your project, tour Rivers initiative and Rivers film Project.

“Secondly, we intend to use this platform to reach out to all the necessary parastatals and agencies involved to have a structured health scheme plan for Nollywood practitioners.“In this second edition, we will be having thirty free minor surgeries, drug for malaria, antibiotics, hypertensive, diabetes, ulcer, diarrheal, cough, allergies, multivitamins will be dispensed. Test for malaria, typhoid fever, STD, HBV, HBsAG, HCV, will be carried out and free eye checks will be done all through these four days of the film festival.”

She added that with the theme; “The Shift,” this year’s festival will celebrate the changing landscapes of filmmaking, particularly the evolving narratives in Nigerian and international films. RIFF will also host a variety of masterclasses and panel sessions aimed at knowledge sharing and skills development among filmmakers.

In line with its social responsibility, RIFF has introduced key initiatives, including free medical services for filmmakers, called RIFF Free Medicals, in response to the alarming health challenges faced by practitioners in the industry According to Ezeigbo, “We discovered that film practitioners often neglect their health due to the nature of their work, and we are providing free surgeries, routine checks, and medication during the festival.”

RIFF has also launched the Pitch Your Project initiative, giving aspiring content creators the opportunity to present their ideas to established producers for potential funding.Other initiatives include RIFF Empowers, which offers training in alternative career skills such as cinematography and content creation, and the Tour Rivers Initiative, which aims to promote the rich culture of Rivers State to a global audience.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who has been a strong supporter of the festival, was commended for his contributions to the creative industry, with Ezeigbo noting that his administration has already made significant strides in promoting Nollywood and its practitioners.

She also highlighted that the target audience are filmmakers, industry professionals, film enthusiasts, students and educators, local and international visitors, heads of industries and organisations, the state government and their partners and sponsors