Desmond Elliot, Queen Blessing Ebigieson , Others Attend Grand Unveiling Of Regal Film Festival In Accra

Accra, Ghana – The cultural heartbeat of Accra surged with creative energy as the city hosted the grand launch of the Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA)—a groundbreaking new platform founded by acclaimed filmmaker Selassie Ibrahim to spotlight the achievements and artistry of African and Diaspora filmmakers.

Held at the prestigious Marriott Hotel, the star-studded unveiling drew a diverse and influential crowd of film and cultural leaders, 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, Fred Amugi, and many more.

With a mission to celebrate and amplify authentic African narratives, REFFA is positioned to become one of the most influential film festivals on the continent.

“REFFA is not just a festival; it is a call to action—a movement that celebrates the regal spirit, resilience, and creativity of African storytellers,” said Selassie Ibrahim, Executive Director of REFFA. “We are telling our stories with authenticity, pride, and global excellence.”

A Global Platform for African Storytelling

REFFA is designed to bridge the gap between African cinema and the global industry, fostering collaboration and industry development while providing a premium platform for showcasing powerful narratives.

During her remarks, Amb. Queen Blessing Ebigieson, President of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria, commended the initiative and pledged full support from Nigeria’s vibrant film industry.

Hon. Desmond Elliot, veteran actor and politician, lauded the visionary leadership behind REFFA and emphasized the need to reshape global perceptions of African cinema through initiatives like this.

First Edition of REFFA Set for December 17–20, 2025.

The inaugural edition of the Regal Film Festival and Awards is scheduled for December 17–20, 2025, promising a rich and engaging program that includes:

Curated film screenings across genresMasterclasses led by acclaimed filmmakersIndustry panels and thought leadership forumsInvestor roundtables and networking sessions.

A high-profile awards gala recognizing excellence in African and Diaspora filmmaking

Awards Categories Include:

Best Feature Film

Best Short Film

Best Documentary

Best Animation

Best Diaspora Film

Technical and performance-based awards.

Call for Submissions Opens July 10, 2025

REFFA will officially begin accepting submissions via FilmFreeway starting July 10, 2025.

Eligible categories include feature films, short films, documentaries, animations, and comedies. Filmmakers across Africa and the Diaspora are encouraged to review submission guidelines and enter their work.

Beyond celebration, REFFA is dedicated to industry development, launching talent incubation programs, cross-border collaborations, and initiatives aimed at attracting investment to the African film ecosystem.

“This is just the beginning,” Selassie Ibrahim noted in her closing remarks.

“REFFA will set a new standard in African cinema and become a global spectacle where our voices are heard and celebrated.”