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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The organizers of the 2025 Abia International Film Festival (ABIFF) said over 1,243 film submissions have been received from different parts of the world for this year’s event which kicks off from December 19 to 21, in Aba.
President of ABIFF, Dr. Philips Alexander Elekwa who disclosed this in Aba while briefing newsmen said the remarkable participation shows Abia was becoming shining star in the global creative landscape.
Dr. Elekwa said ABIFF was building a platform that empowers young creatives, promotes the people’s cultural identity and positions Abia as a rising centre for global filmmaking
“This year, the world responded, over 1,243 film submissions from 155 countries have been received and this shows that Abia is becoming a shining star in the global creative landscape.
“By next year, ABIFF will roll out structured media and film training programmes covering film production, acting and media communication.”
Elekwa commended Governor Alex Otti for his support to the creative industry which he said has created the enabling environment that allows festivals like ABIFF to thrive.
He equally lauded some Nollywood legends including Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), Ejike Asiegbu, Paul Udonsi (Uncle Paul) and others for their efforts in projecting Abia in good light.
President, Nigeria Film Festivals Association (NFFA), Lady Kate Ezigbo expressed joy that Abia is projecting Nigeria to the world in the film industry.
“We have 42 film festivals in Nigeria, we want every state to have film festival that will project her cultural identity.
Ezigbo disclosed that the national film body was fully in support of the Abia Film Festival because of its economic benefit to not only the state, but the country at large.
She said 20 out of the over 1,000 films submitted from around the globe will be giving awards in different categories.
A veteran actor Paul Udonsi aka Uncle Paul commended the organizers for their efforts at projecting Abia to the world through the festival.
He called for support from Government and the corporate world as to make the festival a success.
