The iREPRESENT International Documentary Film Festival 2024 is set to kick off from March 21 to 24 in Lagos, marking its 14th edition with an exciting lineup of activities. Organizers revealed this in a statement released on Monday, highlighting the festival’s focus on fostering dialogue, showcasing films, and nurturing talent within the documentary filmmaking landscape.
This year’s event promises to be captivating, featuring enriching conversations, thought-provoking screenings, interactive workshops, networking sessions, and more. With over 45 films lined up for screening, the festival will take place across two prestigious venues: Freedom Park on 1 Hospital Road, Lagos Island, and Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi.
The films, spanning both short and long features, have been carefully selected from a diverse pool of filmmakers, predominantly from Nigeria, as well as from 25 other countries across four continents. Entries were submitted through Filmfreeway, ensuring a wide-ranging selection that reflects the rich tapestry of global storytelling.
Under the overarching theme of “RIGHTING THE FUTURE,” the 2024 edition aims to spark conversations about the continent’s trajectory and encourage intergenerational dialogue between youth and elders. This theme is particularly timely, given the current political landscape marked by anomalies and leadership challenges across Africa.
Dubbed “The SOYIKA edition” in honor of Professor Oluwole Akinwande Soyinka’s 90th birthday anniversary, the festival pays homage to the renowned Nobel laureate for literature and cultural icon. Professor Soyinka’s unwavering commitment to justice, freedom, and good governance serves as an inspiration, embodying the spirit of citizen activism and intellectual rigor.
Through highlighting his enduring legacy, the festival seeks to celebrate the values of integrity, resilience, and social responsibility, encouraging attendees to uphold their convictions and advocate for positive change. As a platform for African self-expression and dialogue, iREP continues to foster cross-cultural exchanges and amplify diverse voices within the global black community.
Since its inception in 2010, the iREP festival has championed the theme “Africa in Self-Conversation,” fostering a vibrant ecosystem for filmmakers and audiences alike to engage with pressing issues, celebrate African identity, and chart the course for a brighter future.