Rivers International Film Festival 2026 Takes Film Tourism to Bonny Island
Event Details
Event: Rivers International Film Festival (RIFF) 2026 – Fourth Edition
Dates: October 29 to November 1, 2026
Location: Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria
Theme: “Film Tourism: A Pathway to Economic Development”
Activities: Film screenings, masterclasses, industry conversations, networking, cultural experiences, and awards
Organiser: Desgol Entertainment Worldwide
The Rivers International Film Festival is set to turn heads this year by taking its fourth edition straight to the historic shores of Bonny Island in Rivers State. From October 29 to November 1, 2026, filmmakers, industry professionals, cultural enthusiasts and guests from around the world will gather for four packed days of cinema, conversation and celebration under the theme “Film Tourism: A Pathway to Economic Development.”
Speaking in Port Harcourt, RIFF Public Relations Officer Blessing Ezeigbo shared the exciting plans. The festival aims to draw creative talents from Nigeria and beyond for film screenings, industry talks, masterclasses, networking sessions and rich cultural experiences that celebrate cinematic excellence while spotlighting the strong link between film, tourism and the wider creative economy.
This growing significance of the Rivers International Film Festival has already drawn praise from the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa. She recognised the important work of the Rivers State government and RIFF in advancing Nigeria’s creative sector and opening new doors for growth.
Interest from filmmakers across the globe continues to rise, showing how RIFF has built a solid international profile and become a genuine platform for diverse voices in cinema. An experienced international jury made up of respected professionals from the film and creative industries will carefully evaluate selected films and decide the winners across the competitive categories. The choice of this diverse jury underscores the festival’s commitment to high professional standards and international best practices.
Hosting RIFF 2026 on Bonny Island sits at the heart of the festival’s vision to connect cinema with tourism and cultural heritage. The island’s rich history, distinctive traditions, historic landmarks, winding waterways and unique coastal setting offer an exceptional backdrop for an international film festival. Local businesses, young people, hospitality providers, creatives and other stakeholders in the tourism and entertainment ecosystem stand to benefit from the influx of visitors and the fresh energy the event will bring.
Organised by Desgol Entertainment Worldwide, the festival seeks to spark meaningful conversations about how Nigeria can better harness its cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and abundant creative talent to build a stronger film tourism economy. By bringing the spotlight to Bonny Island, RIFF 2026 looks set to leave a lasting mark on both the nation’s creative landscape and its tourism potential.
