Organisers of the Irepresent International Documentary Film Festival (iREP) have announced that there will be no open call for film submissions for its 2026 edition.
The update was shared via the festival’s official Instagram page ahead of its 15th anniversary event, scheduled to run from March 18 to 22, 2026. Instead of accepting entries from filmmakers this year, the festival will present a slate of about 30 curated documentary titles.
The move marks a departure from iREP’s usual submission process, which has historically invited documentary filmmakers to submit works for consideration. At the 2025 edition, films such as Mothers of Chibok by Joel Kachi Benson opened the festival, while Beyond Olympic Glory by Shedrack Salami also screened.
Founded in 2010, iREP has grown into one of Africa’s notable documentary platforms. For its 2026 edition, organisers say the curated programme will explore the transformative power of documentary filmmaking through films addressing themes including democracy, governance, culture, advocacy and technology.
The full list of selected titles is expected to be announced in the coming weeks as the festival approaches.