iREP Documentary Film Festival Sets 2026 Dates with Ecobank Collaboration
The iREPRESENT International Documentary Film Festival (iREP) has officially announced the schedule for its 2026 edition, marking a significant milestone in African cinematic culture. The festival is set to take place from March 18 to 22, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria. This edition is particularly special as it celebrates the 15th anniversary of iREP, which has grown into one of Africa's most influential platforms for documentary cinema.
Strategic Partnership with Ecobank Nigeria
In a landmark development, the festival organizers have unveiled a strategic partnership with Ecobank Nigeria. This collaboration will see the 15th edition of iREP opening at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre, located on Ozumba Mbadiwe Street in Victoria Island, Lagos. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to fostering creativity, youth empowerment, and capacity building within the documentary filmmaking community.
Convened by the Foundation for the Promotion of Documentary Films in Africa (FPDFA), iREP has consistently championed documentary storytelling, critical discourse, and skills development across the continent. The 2026 festival, themed Transformation, will delve into the transformative impact of documentary filmmaking in Africa over the past decade and a half.
Festival Programme and Highlights
The festival programme promises a rich array of events designed to engage and inspire participants. Key activities include:
- Screenings of over 30 documentary films, featuring award-winning titles that explore themes such as governance, democracy, advocacy, technology, and culture.
- Panel discussions and conversations that examine the role of documentary films in shaping public discourse and influencing policy.
- Workshops and training sessions aimed at enhancing the skills of emerging filmmakers.
- Networking opportunities that bring together filmmakers, scholars, policymakers, students, and documentary enthusiasts from across Africa and beyond.
These events are crafted to spotlight how documentary films preserve cultural memory and amplify African voices on global platforms.
Insights from Festival Leadership
Femi Odugbemi, Co-Founder and Executive Director of iREP, recently unveiled the anniversary edition in Lagos. He emphasized the festival's critical role in advancing documentary storytelling and discourse across the continent. "The 2026 festival is a special anniversary edition, marking 15 years since the founding of iREP," Odugbemi stated. "Over the years, iREP has played a critical role in advancing documentary storytelling, discourse, and skills development across the continent."
He further described the partnership with Ecobank Nigeria as a landmark collaboration that reflects a shared dedication to youth empowerment and creativity, particularly for young and emerging documentary filmmakers.
Mobile Phone Filmmaking Workshop
As part of the partnership, Ecobank Nigeria will host a three-day Mobile Phone Filmmaking Workshop from March 16 to 18, 2026, just ahead of the main festival. This workshop will be facilitated by renowned filmmakers and will provide participants with hands-on training in producing compelling documentary films using mobile devices. Outstanding films created during the workshop will be eligible for prize rewards, encouraging innovation and excellence among participants.
Austen Osokpor, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Ecobank Nigeria, commented on the collaboration, reaffirming the bank's commitment to the creative and cultural sectors. "As a Pan-African bank, we have a collective vision of promoting African culture to reinforce and celebrate our shared heritage," Osokpor said. "This partnership aligns with the broader resurgence of African creativity, enabling talents to thrive while preserving the stories that define who we are as a people."
Global Cinematic Context
In related international film news, the Berlinale 2026 is set to kick off with the world premiere of No Good Men, the third feature film by award-winning Afghan director Shahrbanoo Sadat. The film will open the festival on February 12, 2026, at the Berlinale Palast. This highlights the global significance of documentary and feature film festivals in showcasing diverse voices and stories.
The Berlinale competition will feature 22 films vying for the Golden and Silver Bears, with productions from 28 countries represented. Festival director Tricia Tuttle expressed confidence in the diverse lineup, which includes genres ranging from satire to psychological thrillers, underscoring the vibrant state of global cinema in 2026.
As iREP prepares for its 2026 edition, it continues to solidify its position as a pivotal platform for documentary filmmaking in Africa, driving transformation through storytelling and collaboration.
