The organizers of the Rivers International Film Festival (RIFF); Desgol Entertainment Worldwide have introduced new social impact initiatives aimed at benefiting creatives in its forthcoming Festival.

Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt on Thursday, October 10, 2024, the Founder and Festival Director of RIFF, Kate Ezeigbo, announced significant milestones and introduced new initiatives for the festival’s second edition.

Eziegbo noted that the festival, which debuted in October 2023 as the first indigenous film festival in Rivers State, aims to empower filmmakers and foster socio-cultural collaboration on a global scale, while also highlighting the new initiatives aimed at benefiting creatives at the festival.

The initiatives aim to support filmmakers’ health, diversify their skills, and promote the rich culture of Rivers State.

As part of the RIFF Free Medicals, free health services, including surgeries, tests, and drug dispensations will be offered to film practitioners during the festival.

“Our focus this year as part of our social impact responsibility to the creative Industry, the following initiatives were introduced into the festival, The RIFF Free Medicals, RIFF Empowers, Pitch Your Project, Tour Rivers Initiative, Rivers Film Project”.

“In recent times, the sudden death of flim practitioners in Nigeria became alarming and scary, we embarked on a research and we found out that because of the peculiarity of their job, being very nimious and time consuming they barely have the time to do a routine check on their health and that is why the RIFF Free Medicals was created, so that every October industry, film enthusiasts, Students, educators, heads of Industries, Students etc film practitioners, film lovers and film critics can collaborate and network boosting socio-cultural/ economic growth.

They will also access free minor surgeries, routine checks and free drugs for certain ailments”.

She proudly shared that film submissions have skyrocketed, with 2,230 entries from 172 countries, up from 582 films from 82 countries in the inaugural edition.

She highlighted key entries from countries the United States and India, marking the festival’s expanding international presence.

The second edition of RIFF, themed “The Shift,” will take place from October 24 to 27, 2024, and promises to celebrate innovative and diverse storytelling while advancing the growth of Nollywood and film industries globally.

She commended the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara for his efforts and contributions towards promoting the creative industry.

As preparations are being made for the festival with series of activities lined up, the festival has garnered International and local s sponsorships/partnerships to see its success as Eziegbo noted that it’ll be “four days of fun”.

The festival promises to rejuvenate the buzzling vibe of Port Harcourt residents as they witness the event in their numbers during the event.