In a landmark moment for Northern Nigeria’s creative industry, celebrated actress and cultural advocate Rahama Sadau officially unveiled the Arewa International Film Festival (AIFF) 2025, an ambitious platform designed to elevate the voices and stories of Northern creatives to a global audience.
Speaking at the official press unveiling, Rahama Sadau described the event as the realization of a long-held vision — “a spark of a new era in Northern Nigeria’s creative landscape.” She emphasized that AIFF 2025 is more than a festival; it is a cultural rebirth, a movement, and a bold declaration that Northern stories deserve global recognition.
“AIFF 2025 is not just a festival.
It is a movement. A call to reimagine the creative possibilities of the North.
It’s our stories — told by us, shared with the world,” Rahama said passionately.
High-Level Stakeholder Support
The unveiling ceremony attracted key government and industry leaders, signaling strong institutional backing for the festival’s vision:
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Hon. Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy, delivered words of encouragement and highlighted the national importance of creative expansion, expressing unwavering support since the festival’s inception.
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Dr. Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, praised the initiative and reaffirmed the Corporation’s full support from its early development stages.
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Hajiya Aisha Augie, Director General of the Centre for Black and African Arts & Civilization (CBAAC), commended the festival as a beacon of pan-African creativity, highlighting her personal dedication to the project.
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Rahama Abdulmajid Shareef, Personal Assistant to the President on Radio and Broadcast, was present to signify executive-level support for Nigeria’s cultural sector.
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Ife Adebayo, National Coordinator of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE), emphasized the vital role of youth and digital innovation in the creative economy.
A Festival With Purpose
According to the founder, AIFF 2025 aims to be more than a celebration of film. It will be a multi-layered platform that promotes cultural identity, creative excellence, and economic empowerment through film screenings, workshops, industry masterclasses, and special showcases that spotlight the rich heritage of the Arewa region.
The event also acknowledged the dedication of the festival’s core team, whose hard work and resilience turned the dream into reality.
Looking Ahead
With the powerful support of federal institutions, cultural leaders, and private stakeholders, AIFF 2025 is positioned to become a defining force in the African creative space—amplifying Northern voices, transforming the narrative, and uniting the world through storytelling.
