The festival returns under the theme “IFA Is Home,” with submissions open for short films and contributions to the IFA Journal.
Ibadan Indie Film Awards 2025 Highlights Local Filmmakers
The Ibadan Indie Film Awards (IFA) has announced its 2025 edition, themed “IFA Is Home,” aiming to spotlight the city as a centre for independent filmmaking.
The festival emphasizes Ibadan as a space where local filmmakers can find community, support, and recognition.
IFA Director Moses Ipadeola explained that the theme is intended to strengthen ties with the city’s filmmakers. “This year, we want to focus intentionally on the filmmakers of Ìbàdàn and highlight local stories and voices,” he said. Founder Chukwu Martin added that the festival seeks to present Ibadan as a home for creativity and artistic development.
Since its first edition in 2022, IFA has grown into a platform that recognizes and rewards independent Nigerian filmmakers while fostering opportunities for international collaboration. The 2025 edition will feature workshops, screenings, and the launch of the IFA Journal (2022–2024), a publication archiving the first three years of the awards and a decade of Ibadan’s indie film culture.
Film submissions are now open through FilmFreeway. The early submission deadline is October 5, 2025. Late submissions will be accepted until October 13, 2025, with a waiver code available by contacting the festival via Instagram (@ibadanindiefilmawards) or email (ibadanindiefilmawards@gmail.com).
In addition, IFA is inviting writers, critics, and journalists to contribute essays, reviews, interviews, or reflections to the IFA Journal. Selected works will be published in the journal and included in the festival’s archive. The deadline for contributions is October 20, 2025.
The festival acknowledged support from past partners including the German Consulate Lagos, Bihbol, Chalcys, Emerging African Artists (EAA), Photowalk, WhatKeptMeUp, Cheesemonger, Tharevue, The Blitz, and Phoenix Tribe.
IFA 2025 will continue to position Ibadan as a hub for independent cinema, providing filmmakers, audiences, and cultural stakeholders an opportunity to engage with the city’s growing film community.