The 2025 iRepresent International Documentary Film Festival has officially begun, with Executive Director Femi Odugbemi emphasizing the need for storytelling that truly captures Africa’s realities.
Speaking on March 27 during his welcome address, Odugbemi reflected on iRep’s 14-year journey and the ongoing need for documentary films that serve as more than just entertainment.
“Nigeria seems to be a place where films, an aggregate of its arts can be a soft power. It is not just about the art or craft but about thought leadership. Filmmakers who are conscious and who want to make a difference do not just make movies; they make meaning,” he stated.
This year’s festival theme, ‘Freedom, Rights, and Responsibility,’ is one of the most intentional in iRep’s history, according to Odugbemi.
Keynote speaker and journalist Dr. Chike Franklin echoed Odugbemi’s sentiments, referencing Anas Aremeyaw Anas’s investigative work as an example of storytelling that makes a tangible impact. Franklin urged filmmakers to entertain but also create a lasting narrative legacy for Africa.
The 2025 iRep Festival, running from March 27 to 30, will feature 40 selected documentary films and panel discussions exploring the role of storytelling in shaping societal change.
Stay tuned for more updates from the festival.