Rebecca Isi Imafidon, founding director of the All African Indie Film Festival (AAIFF), has described art as a lifeline rather than a luxury, challenging long-held perceptions about its role.
She made this known during her welcome address at the Women in Arts and Film 2026 event held on Saturday at Alliance Française, Ikoyi. Speaking on the theme, “Art as Healing and Social Impact,” Imafidon addressed the place of art within the creative industry and society.
According to her, art should not be reduced to entertainment or decoration, as many women are made to believe from an early age. She said it is also often treated as something secondary pursued only after more “serious” responsibilities but should instead be recognised as a form of healing.
Imafidon emphasised that art serves as an important means of expression and healing for women. “Somewhere along the line, we were told that the things we feel most deeply the urge to create, sing, tell stories, draw and write were secondary. That they were luxuries to pursue after everything else was secured. That was a lie. Art is not a luxury. Art is a lifeline,” she said.
She added that the Women in Arts and Film initiative aims to preserve culture while recognising the resilience of women who continue to create impactful work. “We are doing this for the culture, for the love of art, and for the strength of women. It takes strength to bring something that does not exist to life,” she said.
Imafidon also highlighted AAIFF’s growth since its launch, describing it as a pan-African platform connecting independent filmmakers to opportunities. She noted that the festival has built a community of over 3,000 creatives across countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, the United Kingdom and Germany.
Reflecting on her experience leading the initiative, she said efforts to amplify African women’s stories have consistently led to meaningful impact, reinforcing the importance of the event.
