The inaugural Warien Rose International Film Festival (WRIFF) has opened in Lagos, showcasing six Nigerian films and creating a platform for filmmakers to present stories rooted in history, personal experiences and social issues.
The debut festival featured documentaries, short films and other productions, with screening durations ranging from three minutes to almost two hours. The event was designed to bring filmmakers and other creatives together while providing opportunities for Nigerian stories to reach wider international audiences.
WRIFF Creative Director Jheri Blake said the festival was established to give filmmakers greater opportunities to showcase their work internationally while encouraging different forms of creative expression.
Speaking during an interactive session, Blake said the festival was particularly focused on creating opportunities for emerging filmmakers to develop their skills, gain exposure and build audiences for their productions.
Country Head of Warien Rose Academy, Efe Anaughe, said the festival was designed to promote storytelling while supporting filmmakers whose productions explore social and cultural issues.
The festival’s theme, “Great Stories, Global Impact,” reflects its ambition to use film and storytelling to influence perspectives, preserve history, encourage dialogue and connect audiences across cultures and generations.
Anaughe said film has increasingly become an important vehicle for education, advocacy, economic development and cultural expression, while many African stories continue to receive limited international exposure.
She said WRIFF aims to help address that gap by providing a platform for filmmakers whose work extends beyond entertainment and encourages audiences to engage with broader social and cultural issues.
The festival is an initiative of Warien Rose Academy, which is also preparing to launch what Anaughe described as the first Filmmaking MBA programme in Nigeria and Africa. The programme is intended to further support professional development within the continent’s growing creative economy.
WRIFF Co-director Babatunde Akinnayajo described the 2026 edition as an opportunity to bring filmmakers from diverse backgrounds together and create a platform where their productions can be screened, recognised and rewarded.
He said the festival was also intended to contribute to the development of a stronger filmmaking community and creative ecosystem in Nigeria, across Africa and internationally.
Among the films screened was Kaka, a short tragedy thriller exploring the experiences of a young schoolgirl in Northern Nigeria. Producer Prince Daniel said the production has received more than 20 awards at local and international film events.
Another featured production, Old Soldier, was produced on a reported budget of just $100, highlighting the ability of independent filmmakers to create and distribute stories despite limited production resources.
Akinnayajo said film festivals and public screenings play an important role in giving filmmakers visibility and connecting their work with audiences and industry stakeholders.
He added that recognition through screenings, awards and audience engagement can encourage filmmakers to continue developing their craft and producing new work.
The launch of WRIFF comes as Nigeria’s film industry continues to expand its influence across Africa and international markets. Beyond creating entertainment, festivals such as WRIFF are increasingly providing platforms for local stories, emerging talent and independent productions to gain visibility while strengthening the wider creative ecosystem.
