The ImoIFF Creatives and Film Festival plans to provide practical training for about 200 emerging filmmakers and digital creators when it returns to Owerri, southeastern Nigeria, from November 26 to 28, as organisers seek to strengthen professional skills and career opportunities in the country’s creative industry.

The training programme, known as the Creative Training Academy, is being organized in collaboration with Imo State University’s Department of Theatre Arts and Department of Film and Multimedia Studies. It will offer hands-on instruction in acting, screenwriting, cinematography, film editing and digital media production.

Industry professionals Ogechi Obilonu, Steve Ahanonu, Frances Otuechere and Omenyi Christopher are among those expected to lead training sessions and share practical industry experience

Organised in partnership with Julob Entertainment, the three-day festival will also bring together filmmakers, producers, investors and distributors for screenings of selected Nigerian and international films, masterclasses, panel discussions and networking sessions.

This year’s edition will be held under the theme “Kwechiri,” an Igbo expression meaning “stand firm,” accompanied by the slogan “Keep Going, Keep Creating, Keep Becoming.”

Festival founder Izuchukwu Okafor said the theme reflects the challenges facing emerging filmmakers, including limited funding, intense competition and difficulties accessing professional opportunities.

“In an industry where young creatives face tight budgets and fierce competition, our message is simple. This edition goes beyond red carpets to build real careers and push our Owerri-to-the-World agenda,” Okafor said.
Beyond professional training, the festival will promote indigenous storytelling through projects including UDU, IKENGAand ONYE IJE (The Traveller), which explore Igbo history, cultural identity and African narratives.

The programme will also include the ImoIFF Awards, recognising achievements in categories such as Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best Documentary and Best Animation.

Formerly known as the Imo International Film Festival, ImoIFF was established to promote filmmaking in Imo State and connect local talent with the wider Nigerian and international film industries. This year’s expanded focus on training and industry collaboration is intended to help emerging creatives develop professional networks and explore opportunities beyond traditional film exhibition.