ImoIFF Creatives & Film Festival is a platform for films and filmmakers around the world that inspires the love for film, cinema, and the arts; and supports independent filmmakers. The festival is created to promote the local film industry both locally and internationally and to bring all the industry stakeholders together in a more focused and structured environment.

At ImoIFF, filmmakers are going to be seen, supported, and celebrated. The festival contributes towards the development of films in Imo State by showcasing the best film on the continent and worldwide. The goal of the festival is not only to celebrate arts but also to create an incubation space to encourage and grow young people in film and art, especially in the State. They do this by establishing systems through which continuing film education is sustained.

ImoIFF aspires to bridge the gap between Imo State filmmakers, Cinemas and the World, providing the best global film knowledge, skill acquisition, training, and global film distribution opportunities for independent and aspiring filmmakers. The festival is run by young people, for young people, and aims to celebrate the next generation of Film and TV talent and increase access for under-represented people to careers in the media. The festival creates a lucrative industry economically and socially to preserve our national values through film.

The festival also boasts a distinguished jury panel comprising luminaries from the global film community, including Kayode Kasum, Linda Obasi, Goodnews Erico, Ozioma Nwughalu, and Art Arutyunyan.

ImoIFF’s advisory board includes Dr. Victor Okhai, Queen B. Ebigieson, Okey Ogunjiofor, Dr. Chika Onu, Chris Odeh, Amayo Uzo Phillip, Osita Iheme, Dr. Gloria Ernest Samuel, Dr. Ken Obiakor, and Obinna Okerekeocha

Awards & Prizes

Best Short Film
Best Documentary
Best Feature
Best International Film
Best Actor
Best Actor (female)
Best Film Student
Content Creator of the Year Award
Music Video Director of the Year Award
Music Video of the Year Award
Achievement in Directing
Achievement in Editing
Achievement in Cinematography
Achievement in Screenplay
Achievement in Sound Design

Rules & Terms

ImoIFF Creatives & Film Festival (ImoIFF) - Submission Terms and Conditions

By submitting your film to the ImoIFF Creatives & Film Festival (ImoIFF), you agree to the following terms and conditions:

Rights and Permissions:
You grant ImoIFF and its promoter, JULOB, a non-exclusive license to use your name, photograph, logo, and likeness for publicity and promotional activities related to the festival.
You confirm that you are the film's author and the sole and exclusive owner of all rights.
You affirm that the film is not under option, has not been purchased by a third party, and is free from ownership disputes.
You confirm that no third-party permissions are required for the film's screening at ImoIFF.

Festival Decisions and Liability:
The jury's decisions are final and binding.
Judges are not obligated to provide feedback.
You agree not to pursue litigation against ImoIFF regarding film selection or awards.

Screening and Regulations:
You grant ImoIFF permission to screen the film during the festival and related promotional events.
ImoIFF reserves the right to determine screening locations and times.
ImoIFF may exclude films that do not align with the festival's aims or that may offend national sensitivities.
Failure to adhere to festival rules and technical requirements may result in disqualification.

Submission Criteria:
Films must have been produced within the past two years.
Submission via FilmFreeway constitutes acceptance of these terms.
Feature films must provide a list of main cast and crew contacts.

Film Eligibility:
Short films: Up to 30 minutes.
Feature films: 60+ minutes.
Documentary films: 5-60 minutes.
Student films (undergraduate and below).

Additional Regulations:
Participation implies acceptance of all rules and regulations.
Selected films may be screened or broadcasted at ImoIFF's discretion.
Films previously submitted to other festivals are eligible.
Films in indigenous languages must have English subtitles.
Winners outside of Nigeria will be responsible for shipping cost of awards.

Film Submission Formats:
Delivery Format:
Internet Link (URL): Vimeo, YouTube, Dropbox, WeTransfer, or FilmFreeway.
Please notify ImoIFF of any changes to URLs or passwords.
Physical copies are not required when submitting a URL.

Technical Specifications:
Video: .mp4/.m4v/DCP; MJPEG, Apple ProRes, H.264; 1920x1080px or higher.
Audio: 48 kHz PCM, MP3, AAC.
Files: Multiplexed (audio, video, subtitles in one file); maximum 4GB.
A digital copy must be provided for archiving, screening, and judging.
Films must be thoroughly tested before submission.
Trailers and work-in-progress films are not accepted.

Return of Materials:
Submitted materials will not be returned and will be stored in the ImoIFF archives.

Selection and Publicity:
Selected filmmakers must provide publicity materials (biography, trailers, images, posters, electronic press kit) at their expense.
ImoIFF has sole discretion over screening schedules.

Film Categories:
National/Local Films:
Documentaries
Short Films
Student Films (Undergraduate and Below)
Feature Films
TV series.
Animations.

International Feature Films:
Must have English subtitles.

Local Films:
Must have English subtitles if not in English.
14 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • John NWADIKE

    This imo festival is credible based on how they justify films. Because they take their time to evaluate the hard work a film maker puts in their work. Iam grateful and happy to received an award at this festival thanks for been professional in judgement.

    March 2026
    Helpful
  • Angeliki Pardalidou

    Very organised festival. They send us separately in emails our digital honorable mention. Thank you

    January 2025
    Helpful
  • Ikechukwu Joachim

    For a festival that was just hosting their 2nd edition I would say they outdid theirselfs. All thanks to the organisers for been sold out to this craft and the value they brought through the array of speakers available. Thank you again for choosing my film.

    December 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your kind words and heartfelt review! We’re thrilled to hear that you found value in the festival and our lineup of speakers. It’s filmmakers like you who inspire us to keep striving for excellence with each edition. Congratulations once again on your film’s selection—it was truly a standout piece, and we’re honored to have showcased your work. We look forward to seeing more of your creativity in the future! Thank you for being part of ImoIFF 2024.

  • Narine Gevorgyan

    Спасибо FFImo! Очень приятно что мой фильм был частью этого фестиваля !!!Думаю такие фестивали необходимы

    December 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    hank you so much for your kind words! We are thrilled to have showcased your incredible film as part of ImoIFF 2024. Your creativity and talent truly inspire us, and we are grateful for your contribution. We agree that such festivals are essential in celebrating diverse voices and fostering a global creative community. We look forward to seeing more of your amazing work in the future!

  • Satyaraj Chaulagain

    Great experience! I am truly honored and thankful for Imo International Film Festival for the Honorable
    Mention for "Bichchhed". When I will have another movie, i will come again !

    December 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your kind words and for being part of ImoIFF! We are truly honored to have showcased "Bichchhed" and thrilled that your exceptional work received an Honorable Mention. We can’t wait to see more of your creative projects in the future, and we’ll always welcome you with open arms! Here's to more incredible stories and continued success in your filmmaking journey.