Precious Iroagalachi’s “Iwa Ji” spotlights the significance of the New Yam Festival in Igbo culture

Nigerian documentary filmmaker Precious Iroagalachi explores the cultural significance of the Igbo New Yam Festival in her film “Iwa Ji”.

The annual ritual, deeply rooted in Igbo tradition, is a time of gratitude, prayers, and communal celebration. In her documentary, Iroagalachi delves into why the Igbo regard yam as the “King of Crops,” while also addressing themes of gender inequality and the festival’s diminishing prominence.

Speaking after the screening of “Iwa Ji” at the iRepresent International Documentary Film Festival (iRep) on March 29, Iroagalachi reflected on her motivation for making the film.

“I wanted to tell an Igbo story because I am from Umuahia, but I was never introduced to my culture. I always felt removed from it,” she said.

In choosing which aspect of Igbo culture to explore, she was drawn to a subject often overlooked.

“I focused on the New Yam Festival, and it was perfect at the time. I discovered how significant yam is in Igbo culture, it ties so many things together. It became the perfect unifying story of culture, identity, homecoming, and the need to stay connected to one’s roots.”

Iroagalachi further emphasized that while many see yam as just a staple crop, for the Igbo people, it represents much more, it is a symbol of heritage and tradition.