Aba to host 2025 Abia International Film Festival

The Abia International Film Festival (ABIFF) have announced that the 2025 edition will take place in Aba, from 19th to 21st December 2025.

Dr Philips Alexander Elekwa, President of ABIFF, while addressing the press, said that the festival will be featuring an unforgettable opening ceremony that will reflect the beauty, energy, and innovation of Abia people.

According to Elekwa, in the first edition in 2024, the world listened: “This year, the world responded with over 1,243 film submissions from 155 countries.”

He described the number of films submitted as a remarkable participation that shows that Abia State is becoming a shining star in the global creative landscape.

Elekwa said that from the time of conception, ABIFF’s mission was to build a platform that empowers young creatives, promotes Abia’s cultural identity, and positions the state as a rising center for global filmmaking.

He reiterated that the 2025 ABIFF will include inspiring film screenings, intensive workshops and masterclasses, panel discussions with industry experts, the All Abia Nollywood Artists Awards night and a grand opening ceremony to welcome the world to Abia.

Elekwa appreciated Governor Alex Otti for his unwavering support, endorsement, and commitment to the creative industry, stressing that his transformational leadership has created the enabling environment that allows festivals like ABIFF to thrive.

He equally extended his appreciation to Dr Mathew Ekwuruibe, Commissioner for Arts, Culture & Creative Economy in Abia, as well as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Arts, Culture & Creative Economy, Mrs Matilda Anyamele, and SSA on Tourism and Entertainment, Martins Okechukwu, for their contributions.

“Our expectations for the next edition of ABIFF are even bigger and bolder. We envision a festival that expands its global reach, attracts more international collaborations, strengthens local capacity, and creates sustainable opportunities for our youth.

“We are committed to making ABIFF not just a festival, but a permanent creative hub where ideas are nurtured, skills are developed, and dreams are transformed into real careers.”

He said that one of ABIFF’s most important priorities is the training and empowerment of Abia youths who are passionate about media, film, and creative arts.

“We believe strongly that the future of the industry lies in the hands of our young people. By next year, ABIFF will officially roll out structured media and film training programmes.

“It will be covering film production, acting, screenwriting, video editing, cinematography, and media communication.

“Full details of these training programmes—including registration formats, timeliness, and partner institutions—will be officially released next year.

“We are also pleased to use this medium to officially invite all cultural groups, traditional dancers, drama groups, comedians, individual performers, media theatre groups, and creative talents across Abia State and beyond to participate in this year’s edition.”

Addressing Abia entertainers, he said, “This is your stage. This is your moment. And for the very first time, ABIFF will be rewarding excellence on a bigger scale.

“The best performing artist or group will receive a special award and recognition during the festival’s Awards Night. We want to celebrate the brilliance and uniqueness of our cultural and creative expressions.”

The President of the Nigerian Film Festivals Association (NFFA), Kate Ezeigbo, said that a film festival is simply a celebration of films, but that what will be taking place in Aba from the 19th to the 21st of December is a celebration of film across the globe because it is an international film festival.

Ezeigbo, who is also the founder of the Rivers State Film Festival, hailed the ABIFF team, stressing that they have successfully placed the name of Abia on the global map, as the outcome of the 2025 edition will go beyond showcasing creative expressions but have a full impact on the state’s economy.

“It exposes the local content from here to the world. They get to see what we do, and we get to see what they do. There are a lot of sociocultural exchanges that go on during the film festival.

“I’m happy with Abia State, and I’m using this opportunity to call on all stakeholders to start something like this. These three days that ABIFF will take place will create a chain reaction of benefits.

“Under my watch we have over 40 film festivals, and the goal is for every state to have at least two with a direction. That’s the dream.

“I’m glad ABIFF already has a direction judging from the first appearance and this second edition. We’re doing this for our cultural heritage, and it must not die.”