The Rivers International Film Festival has officially unveiled the jury panel for its fourth edition, scheduled to hold from 29th October to 1st November 2026 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the festival, which has recorded an unprecedented 3,021 film submissions from over 180 countries, a dramatic leap from the 272 films submitted from 65 countries at its previous edition in 2025.
Founded in 2022 and organised by Desgol Entertainment Worldwide, the Rivers International Film Festival was built on the vision of rediscovering and promoting Nigerian culture and heritage while bringing together a community of creative leaders from around the world. In just four editions, it has grown from a Port Harcourt community event into one of the fastest rising film festivals on the African continent.
The 2026 edition is themed Film Tourism: A Pathway to Economic Development, reflecting the festival’s deliberate shift toward positioning Rivers State and Nigeria as premier destinations for film production, cultural exchange, and creative tourism. The festival has consistently incorporated the Tour Rivers Initiative, a cultural tourism drive designed to unveil hidden historical and scenic sites across Rivers State to attending filmmakers, journalists, and guests from around the world.
Leading the jury for the 2026 edition is Ambassador Endy Ojo-Abanonkhua of Nigeria, who serves as Head of Jury, with Frank Kwesi Hemans of South Africa serving as Assistant Head of Jury. The full panel of honourable jury members includes Hilda Dokubo of Nigeria, Moses Matanda of Zimbabwe, Ian Evance Chisekula of Malawi, Eric Stephenson of Nigeria, Frank Fiifi Gharbin of Ghana, Mary-Ann Ibeziako of the United States of America, Tawanda Sarireni of Zimbabwe, and Marc Adebesin of Nigeria. Together they represent Africa, North America, and the broader global film community, bringing expertise across filmmaking, film criticism, production, academia, distribution, and cultural exchange.
The festival’s programme extends beyond film screenings and includes panel sessions with leading filmmakers and industry experts, art and fashion exhibitions, talent hunts, pitch sessions for content creators, youth skill acquisition programmes, and the RIFF Awards Night, where outstanding works in film, creativity, and innovation are recognised. The festival also runs the RIFF Free Medical Initiative, offering free checkups, treatments, and surgeries to participants and members of the public as part of its social impact commitment.
The Rivers State Government has expressed strong support for the festival, with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration highlighting its role in driving socio-economic benefits, boosting tourism, enriching cultural life, and creating jobs for young people.
The Rivers International Film Festival 2026 holds from 29th October to 1st November 2026 in Port Harcourt, Nigeria’s Garden City. Further information is available at www.riffestivals.com.
