The fourth edition of the Rivers International Film Festival (RIFF) will hold on Bonny Island, Rivers State, from October 29 to November 1, 2026, with organisers placing renewed emphasis on the role of film tourism in driving economic growth, cultural preservation and youth empowerment.
Organised under the theme, “Film Tourism: A Pathway to Economic Development,” the festival is expected to attract filmmakers, producers, actors, industry professionals and cultural enthusiasts from Nigeria and across the world for four days of film screenings, masterclasses, panel discussions, networking sessions and cultural activities.
A statement by Blessing Ezeigbo spokesperson of RIFF said this year’s theme reflects the growing recognition of cinema as a strategic tool for promoting tourism, preserving cultural heritage and stimulating local economies through the creative industry.
According to the organisers, the festival is designed to demonstrate how film can project destinations to global audiences, attract investment, create employment opportunities and strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy.
The choice of Bonny Island as the host venue, they explained, aligns with the festival’s vision of connecting cinema with tourism and showcasing one of Nigeria’s most historic coastal communities to the world.
Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, waterways, historic landmarks and centuries-old traditions, Bonny Island offers visitors a unique tourism experience that organisers believe can be amplified through film and storytelling.
They noted that bringing the festival to Bonny would not only expose visitors to the island’s cultural assets but also create economic opportunities for local businesses, hospitality operators, transport providers, artisans and young creatives.
The organisers expressed confidence that the festival would further position Bonny as a viable destination for international cultural and creative events while encouraging sustainable partnerships between the film and tourism sectors.
The Rivers International Film Festival has continued to grow in international profile, attracting 3,021 film submissions from 182 countries for the 2026 edition. Selected films will be screened during the festival and assessed by an international jury comprising respected film professionals from Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Germany, Ghana and the United States.
The 2026 festival, estimated to cost at least N100-million, has also received commendation from the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa, who praised the Rivers State Government and the Rivers International Film Festival for promoting the use of film and the arts to preserve culture and empower young people.
She said the initiative would contribute to positioning Nigeria as Africa’s cultural and creative hub, while describing Rivers State as taking significant steps toward achieving that vision.
Beyond celebrating cinematic excellence, organisers said RIFF 2026 aims to promote cultural exchange, build professional capacity, encourage international collaboration and inspire a new generation of filmmakers.
They added that the festival would provide opportunities for emerging talents to interact with established industry professionals while drawing national and international attention to the tourism potential of Bonny Island and Rivers State.
As preparations gather momentum, organisers expressed optimism that this year’s edition would further establish the Rivers International Film Festival as a leading platform for advancing film tourism and the creative economy in Nigeria.
