Entertainers Converge In Aba For Celebration Of Abia International Film Festival

Aba, the commercial city of Abia State, was agog yesterday over the convergence of Abia-born entertainers for the celebration of Abia International Film Festival (ABIFF).

The event held at Cine 21, Kilimanjaro Aba, saw the crème de la crème of Abia State born entertainers and government officials.

Speaking at the opening of the event, the event host, founder Abia International Film Festival (ABIFF), Dr. Alex Elekwa said the Abia International Film Festival (ABIFF) was established to provide a platform where authentic African stories meet international standards, where emerging talents are discovered and nurtured, and where film becomes a powerful tool for education, employment, and cultural diplomacy.

Dr. Elekwa who said the first edition was done last year, noted that the celebration of the second edition affirms that ABIFF is evolving from vision to institution – built on credibility, strengthened by partnerships, and sustained by the belief that our stories matter.

He thanked Governor Alex Otti who is ably represented by the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, for providing an enabling environment for entertainers to thrive.

“On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we express our deepest appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Abia State Dr. Alex Chioma Otti OFR, for his steadfast support for the creative sector and for creating an enabling environment where culture, innovation, and enterprise can thrive.

“We commend the Abia State Government’s reform-oriented agenda, which recognizes the creative economy as a strategic pathway for sustainable development. This forward-looking leadership as made gatherings such as this not only possible, but impactful.

“Over the coming days, we will experience compelling film screenings, masterclasses, and industry conversations designed to inspire collaboration, knowledge transfer, and global relevance. To our filmmakers, your stories give meaning to this platform,” he concluded.

Speaking during the event, Ejike Asiegbu, Veteran Actor Filmmaker, Producer and Executive Director, Co-founder of Abia International Film Festival (ABIFF) said the ABIFF event is like a home coming for him.

He said with what governor Alex Otti is doing in Abia, people should expect more movies to be shot and produced Aba.

Asiegbu who is a former President general of Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, said it’s understandable that Aba was where it all began but the successive government has made it impossible for entertainers to thrive, however, with Governor Alex Otti’s approach, Abia will witness an entertainment boom.

The veteran actor said when he was tipped about the ABIFF, he threw his support to the founder Dr. Alex Elekwa, knowing that the government will support what they’re doing. He added that entertainment drives economy and provides jobs to the people and governor Alex Otti’s government has shown that they are willing to support.

Meanwhile, the event was graced by ABIFF Ambassadors who are made up of Abia State born entertainers, both actors and actresses, including movie producers, filmmakers, etc.