African Indigenous Language Film Festival Overcomes Funding Hurdles, Looks Forward to Champion Cultural Diversity and Language Preservation

The African Indigenous Language Film Festival (ALIFF), under the visionary leadership of Osezua Stephen-Imobhio, deftly navigates funding challenges to set the stage for its next edition in July 2024.

ALIFF’s successful inaugural event served as a resounding achievement, aligning with the festival’s core objectives. Stephen-Imobhio, the festival’s visionary organizer, expressed his delight, stating, “In line with the objectives of our festival (ALIFF), it has not just drawn well-deserved attention to African Indigenous language films but also emphasized the importance of making films in our own mother tongues as a means of preserving our language and electronically documenting our ways of life.”

The festival provided a captivating platform for indigenous languages to shine and showcase the power of storytelling across Africa, leaving a lasting impact on cultural preservation and linguistic diversity.

Looking ahead to the next edition, ALIFF envisions a future brimming with even greater accomplishments and collaborations. Stephen-Imobhio eagerly shared the festival’s vision, proclaiming, “Stakeholders should anticipate a bigger, better, and bolder festival, teeming with coproduction opportunities across borders.”

As the festival gears up for its forthcoming edition, the focus remains steadfast on fostering a deeper appreciation for indigenous languages, cultural heritage, and the exceptional art of storytelling. ALIFF stands resolute as a dynamic force in elevating African cinema while nurturing the voices of indigenous language filmmakers for years to come.

Furthermore, ALIFF served as a melting pot for filmmakers, actors, industry professionals, and enthusiasts alike. The festival fostered a supportive environment for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas, further fueling the growth of the African film industry. Engaging panel discussions, workshops, and masterclasses led by esteemed filmmakers and industry experts provided invaluable insights into the art and craft of filmmaking, empowering aspiring talents with the knowledge and inspiration to tell their own stories.

The festival featured distinguished speakers who added a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the event. Among them were Izu Osuigwe, a renowned Film Distributor; Ladi Adamu, an esteemed Lecturer from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria; Mahmoud Ali Balogun, Chairman of the Audi Visual Right Society of Nigeria; Chidia Maduekwe, the MD/CEO of Nigerian Film Corporation; Iryn Omorogiuwa, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Arts, Culture & Tourism, Edo State; Aina Kushoro, Chairman of BOT AMCOD; and Oluwafemi Adiniba, an IT/Marketing Expert, among others.

The festival also served as a platform to showcase some remarkable Nigerian and African films. Some of the notable screenings included “Ageshinkole” (King Of Thieves) from Nigeria, “Itsekiri The Movie” from Nigeria, and “Tradition” from Nigeria. Additionally, several short films left an indelible impact on the audience, including “Mucil,” “Under 23,” “Broken,” and “Widow’s Mite.”

The commitment of ALIFF to recognizing outstanding contributions was further highlighted during the event, with special honors bestowed upon individuals such as the late chairman of DAAR Communications, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, and Dr. Uyi Oduwa-Malaka, the Edo State Commissioner for Art, Culture, and Tourism, on behalf of Governor Godwin Obaseki. These recognitions underscored the festival’s dedication to honoring those who have made substantial contributions to the development and preservation of African culture and indigenous languages.

During its vibrant celebration from July 4 to July 7, the African Indigenous Language Film Festival captivated audiences at the prestigious Nigerian Film Corporation Cineplex in Ikoyi, Lagos State.

With ALIFF’s resounding success and growing influence, various countries across Africa express keen interest in collaborating with the festival. This surge of collaboration highlights ALIFF’s expanding role as a Pan African Film Festival that unites filmmakers, production companies, and industry enthusiasts in their shared commitment to linguistic diversity and the rich narratives of the continent.

ALIFF’s journey of resilience and determination inspires hopeful aspirations for a sustainable future, as the festival strategically charts a course to secure more financial support through sponsorships, grants, and strategic partnerships.

The unwavering dedication to preserving African cultural heritage and indigenous languages remains at the heart of ALIFF’s mission, and its impact on the African film industry continues to reverberate across borders.

The festival’s extraordinary contributions to the preservation of African storytelling traditions are poised to leave an indelible mark on cinema enthusiasts, culture custodians, and language preservation advocates alike.