The Rivers International Film Festival (RIFF) 2026 is set to make a significant impact on the nation’s creative and tourism landscape as filmmakers, industry professionals, cultural enthusiasts, and international guests converge on the historic and culturally rich Bonny Island, Rivers state, for the fourth edition of the Festival.
Speaking to Blueprint Weekend on Friday in Port Harcourt, RIFF’s Public Relations Officer Rivers, Blessing Ezeigbo, disclosed that the event was scheduled to begin from October 29 to November 1, 2026.
She added that RIFF 2026 was expected to bring together creative talents from Nigeria and across the world for four days of film screenings, industry conversations, master classes, networking opportunities, cultural experiences and celebrations of cinematic excellence.
According to the RIFF spokesperson, the Festival is being organised around the theme, “Film Tourism: A Pathway to Economic Development,” highlighting the powerful relationship between the film industry, tourism and the wider creative economy.
She said the growing significance of the Rivers International Film Festival had received commendation from the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and creative Economy, Mrs. Hannatu Musana, who acknowledged the important role being played by the Rivers state government and RIFF in advancing the creative sector.
Blueprint gathered that RIFF 2026 had attracted significant interest from filmmakers around the world, demonstrating the Festival’s growing international profile and its ability to provide a platform for diverse cinematic voices.
She stated that the Festival’s international jury, composed of respected professionals from the film and creative industries, would be responsible for evaluating the selected films and determining the winners across various competitive categories.
“The selection of an experienced and diverse jury further reinforces RIFF’s commitment to professional standards, excellence and international best practices in film festival programming.
“The decision to host RIFF 2026 in Bonny Island is central to the festival’s vision of connecting cinema with tourism and cultural heritage.
“With its rich history, distinctive cultural traditions, historic landmarks, waterways and unique coastal environment, Bonny provides an exceptional setting for an international film festival.
“The Festival’s presence in Bonny is also expected to create opportunities for local businesses, young people, hospitality providers, creatives and other stakeholders within the tourism and entertainment ecosystem,” she said.
RIFF 2026, therefore, sought to open conversations around how “Nigeria can harness its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and creative talent to build a stronger film tourism economy.”