It was all glitz and glamour in Accra, Ghana, as the Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA) took centre stage at the luxurious Marriott Hotel.
With respected Ghanaian filmmaker Selassie Ibrahim at the forefront, REFTA is a vibrant platform for African and Diaspora filmmakers to tell their unique stories on a global stage.
The official unveiling was graced by prominent personalities in African film and culture, including Desmond Elliot, Amb. Queen Blessing Ebigieson, Shirley Frimpong Manso, Ibrahim Mahama, Sir Sam Jonah, Nana Prah, Prince Kofi Amoabeng, Joselyn Dumas, Kalsoume Sinare, Fred Amugi, and many others.
According to Executive Director Selassie Ibrahim, the festival will promote key African narratives while functioning as a bridge between local talent and international markets.
“REFFA is not just a festival; it is a call to action—a movement celebrating the regal spirit, resilience, and creativity of African storytellers,” he said.
President of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria, Amb. Queen Blessing Ebigieson hailed REFFA’s vision and reiterated Nigeria’s total support for the pan-African creative initiative.
Nigerian lawmaker and Nollywood veteran Desmond Elliot also commended the idea behind the project, appreciating its role in reshaping perceptions of African cinema all over the world.
The inaugural edition of REFFA is scheduled to go down from December 17–20, 2025, and attendees are promised an immersive experience including curated film screenings, masterclasses with top-class movie makers, industry panels and leadership forums, investor roundtables and networking opportunities, and a glamorous awards gala that celebrates filmmaking excellence.
Awards Categories:
Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Documentary
Best Animation
Best Diaspora Film
Performance & Technical Excellence Awards.
Producers from Africa and the Diaspora can submit their creative work via FilmFreeway from July 10, 2025, with categories ranging from feature films, shorts, documentaries, animations, and comedies.
REFTA is committed to industry growth with talent incubation labs, co-production opportunities, and initiatives to aid investment into Africa’s film ecosystem.
This is just the beginning. REFFA will set a new standard for African cinema and offer a world-class platform where our voices are both heard and celebrated,” Selassie added.
