A New Era for African Cinema Begins As Desmond Elliot & Queen Blessing Ebigieson Shine at Regal Film Festival Unveiling in Accra

The vibrant city of Accra came alive with glitz and cultural prestige as the Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA) was officially unveiled at the luxurious Marriott Hotel. Spearheaded by celebrated Ghanaian filmmaker Selassie Ibrahim, REFFA aims to become a transformative platform for African and Diaspora filmmakers to tell authentic stories on a global stage.

The grand unveiling was graced by notable figures in African film and culture, including Hon. Desmond Elliot, Amb. Queen Blessing Ebigieson, Shirley Frimpong Manso, Ibrahim Mahama, Sir Sam Jonah, Nana Prah, Prince Kofi Amoabeng, Joselyn Dumas, Kalsoume Sinare, and Fred Amugi, among others.

A Festival with Purpose

“REFFA is not just a festival; it is a call to action—a movement celebrating the regal spirit, resilience, and creativity of African storytellers,” declared Executive Director Selassie Ibrahim. The festival seeks to uplift powerful African narratives while forging connections between local talent and international markets.

Endorsements from Industry Leaders

In her keynote address, Amb. Queen Blessing Ebigieson, President of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria, lauded REFFA’s vision and reaffirmed Nigeria’s full support for this pan-African creative initiative. Hon. Desmond Elliot, actor and lawmaker, praised the project’s foresight and its role in reshaping global perceptions of African cinema.

Save the Date: December 17–20, 2025

The inaugural edition of REFFA is set for December 17–20, 2025, and promises an immersive experience featuring:

• Curated film screenings

• Masterclasses with top-tier filmmakers

• Industry panels and leadership forums

• Investor roundtables and networking opportunities

• A glamorous awards gala celebrating filmmaking excellence

Awards Categories Include:

• Best Feature Film

• Best Short Film

• Best Documentary

• Best Animation

• Best Diaspora Film

• Performance & Technical Excellence Awards

Submissions Open July 10, 2025

Filmmakers from Africa and the Diaspora are invited to submit their work via FilmFreeway starting July 10, 2025. Categories include feature films, shorts, documentaries, animations, and comedies.

REFFA also commits to industry growth with talent incubation labs, co-production opportunities, and initiatives to attract investment into Africa’s film ecosystem.

“This is just the beginning,” said Ibrahim in her closing remarks. “REFFA will set a new standard for African cinema and offer a world-class platform where our voices are both heard and celebrated.”