Nigerian actor, Desmond Elliot (L) and actress Selassie Ibrahim during the launch of REFFA
A new festival and awards scheme, dubbed the Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA), has been launched in Accra, marking a major step in spotlighting Africa’s vibrant storytelling and cinematic excellence.
In a landmark move for the continent’s creative industry, the inaugural edition of REFFA was officially unveiled, heralding a new era for African film industry.
The festival is set to become a flagship cultural event on the African calendar, aiming to celebrate outstanding achievements in filmmaking, nurture emerging talent, and create a global platform for African stories to be seen, heard, and honoured.
Speaking at the launch, the Festival’s Executive Director, Selassie Ibrahim, emphasised the importance of unity in projecting Africa’s creativity to the world.
“African cinema is thriving from Ghana to Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa and it is time the world experiences the full power of our stories, our voices, and our talents.
This festival is not just a celebration but a movement to elevate African film industry,” she said.
The festival will feature a four-day programme of film screenings, panel discussions, masterclasses, and cultural showcases, culminating in a prestigious awards ceremony recognising excellence across various categories.
Open to filmmakers from across Africa and the diaspora, REFFA aims to create a unique space where culture, creativity, and commerce intersect.
It also seeks to foster partnerships between African filmmakers and international collaborators, investors, and distributors.
The launch event drew a diverse audience, including business leaders, industry stakeholders, government representatives, cultural institutions, international organisations, media professionals, and film enthusiasts, all of whom expressed strong support for the initiative.
As African cinema continues to gain global recognition, REFFA is positioned to serve as a powerful platform to honor its pioneers, celebrate its innovators, and inspire the next generation of storytellers.
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