The official unveiling of the Arewa International Film Festival (AIFF) 2025 has set the stage for a fresh wave of growth in Northern Nigeria’s creative economy, with a strong emphasis on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in film and content production. Founded by a cultural advocate with a vision for regional transformation, the festival is positioned as both an artistic showcase and a business platform for storytellers, entrepreneurs, and creative startups.
The launch drew notable government officials, including the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy, who pledged sustained national backing. The Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation and the Director-General of CBAAC reaffirmed their commitment to scaling local talent and creative infrastructure.
Federal presence was further underscored by the attendance of the Presidential aide on Radio and Broadcast and the National Coordinator of iDICE, signalling high-level support for innovation, youth participation, and SME development in the creative sector.
AIFF 2025 aims to go beyond screening films by connecting Northern creatives with access to investment, digital tools, and strategic partnerships. Organisers describe the initiative as a cultural rebirth—one that will enable SMEs in the arts and media to tell authentic regional stories, build sustainable enterprises, and secure global collaborations.
