The Warien Rose International Film Festival (WRIFF) is a purpose driven international film festival dedicated to celebrating exceptional storytelling, cinematic excellence, creative innovation, and films that inspire positive social change.

Founded by Warien Rose Academy and supported by Warien Rose Foundation, the festival serves as a global platform for filmmakers, producers, students, content creators, documentarians and visual storytellers whose work reflects the power of cinema to educate, inspire, challenge perspectives and transform societies.

The festival welcomes films from around the world that demonstrate artistic excellence, originality, cultural relevance, and meaningful impact. Through screenings, awards, networking opportunities, masterclasses, workshops, and industry conversations, WRFF seeks to connect storytellers with audiences while promoting collaborations and sparking conversations within the global film community.

At the heart of the festival is the belief that film is more than entertainment, it is a powerful instrument for education, advocacy, innovation, cultural preservation and sustainable development.

OUR VISION

To become Africa’s leading purpose driven international film festival and one of the world’s most respected platforms for films that inspire transformation, innovation and social impact.

OUR MISSION

To discover, celebrate, empower, and promote filmmakers whose stories contribute positively to humanity while advancing excellence, diversity, creativity and professional growth within the global film industry.

OUR PURPOSE

The Warien Rose Film Festival exists to:

• Showcase powerful and impactful stories from around the world.

• Promote African and global cinema.

• Create opportunities for emerging and established filmmakers.

• Encourage storytelling that addresses real world challenges and solutions.

• Encourage cultural exchange and global understanding.

• Support film education, professional development and industry advancement.

• Inspire audiences through meaningful and transformative storytelling.

OUR AMBITION

Our ambition is to build a world-class film festival that becomes a recognized destination for filmmakers, distributors, investors, broadcasters, studios, educators, and audiences seeking films that matter.

We aspire to:

• Become one of Africa’s most influential film festivals.

• Create pathways for filmmakers to access global opportunities.

• Establish industry partnerships across continents.

• Promote innovation in filmmaking and digital storytelling.

• Champion films aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Position Nigeria, as a global destination for creative excellence and cinematic innovation.

OUR FOCUS AREAS

The festival particularly welcomes films exploring themes such as:

• Education and Human Development

• Women and Gender Equality

• ⁠Women in Leadership, Business and Politics

• Youth Empowerment

• Leadership and Governance

• Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability

• Health and Mental Wellness

• Innovation and Technology

• Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

• Human Rights and Social Justice

• Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution

• Arts, Culture and Heritage

• Community Transformation

• ⁠Anti-Corruption

• Global Citizenship

FILM CATEGORIES*

The Warien Rose Film Festival accepts submissions in the following categories:

Feature Films ( 40 mins and above )

Short Films ( 30 minutes and below )

Documentary Films

Short and feature length documentaries.

Student Films

Films produced by students or recent graduates.

Animation

Animated short and feature productions.

Experimental Films

Innovative and non-traditional storytelling formats.

Social Impact Films

Films focused on social change, advocacy and development issues.

African Stories

Films highlighting African cultures, experiences, history, and innovation.

International Cinema

Films from any country around the world.

Mobile Phone Films

Films shot primarily using mobile devices.

FESTIVAL GOALS

The Warien Rose Film Festival seeks to:

1. Discover outstanding filmmaking talent globally.
2. Promote socially impactful storytelling.
3. Advance excellence in film education and production.
4. Strengthen Africa’s creative economy.
5. Connect filmmakers with industry opportunities.
6. Encourage innovation in visual storytelling.
7. Build an international community of creators committed to positive change.
8. Celebrate films that inspire, educate, and transform lives.

Awards & Prizes

Best Social Message Film
Best Innovative/ Sustainable Goal Film
Best African Message
Best Film Narrative Drama
Best Documentary
Best Social Music
Best Short Film

Rules & Terms

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for consideration:

1. Films must have been completed within the last five (5) years.
2. Entries must be submitted by the copyright owner or authorized representative.
3. Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles.
4. Multiple submissions are permitted.
5. The festival reserves the right to determine category placement.
6. Films may be submitted from any country.
7. Student filmmakers may be required to provide proof of student status.

DISQUALIFICATION CRITERIA

The following may be disqualified:

• Films containing hate speech or content that promotes violence against individuals or groups.

• Content that infringes on copyrights, trademarks, or intellectual property rights.

• Films submitted without proper authorization.

• Incomplete submissions.

• Poor-quality files that cannot be screened adequately.

• Fraudulent or misleading information provided during submission.

• Content that promotes terrorism, corruption, criminal activities, or unlawful conduct.

• Films generated or submitted using stolen content.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Films will be evaluated based on:

• Originality and Creativity

• Storytelling Quality

• Technical Excellence

• Cinematography

• Directing

• Editing

• Sound Design

• Acting Performance

• Innovation

• Social Impact and Relevance

• Audience Engagement

• Overall Artistic Merit

The decision of the judges is final.

2. Submission Requirements

* All submissions must be made through FilmFreeway
* Films submitted in languages other than English must include English subtitles.
* Entrants must own all rights necessary for festival screening, including music, visuals, performances, and intellectual property.
* Works-in-progress may be accepted in special categories at the discretion of the festival.
* Multiple entries are allowed; however, each entry requires a separate submission fee.

3. Screening Formats

* Selected films must be made available in high-quality digital screening format.
* The festival reserves the right to determine the final screening schedule and presentation format.
* Selected filmmakers may also be asked to provide:
* Poster artwork
* Trailer
* Director’s bio and headshot
* Film stills
* Press kit materials

4. Judging & Selection

* All submissions are reviewed by a selection committee and/or festival jury.
* Decisions of the festival jury and programmers are final.
* The festival does not provide feedback or screening notes for non-selected films.
* Selection is based on:
* Storytelling quality
* Creativity and originality
* Technical execution
* Social relevance and impact
* Artistic vision
* Alignment with innovation and sustainable development themes

5. Awards

Awards may include, but are not limited to:

* Best Feature Film
* Best Short Film
* Best Documentary
* Best Director
* Best Actor/Actress
* Best Student Film
* Social Impact Award
* Emerging Filmmaker Award
* Innovation in Storytelling Award

The festival reserves the right not to present an award if entries do not meet required standards.

6. Premiere Status

* Premiere status is encouraged but not mandatory unless specified in a category description.
* Films previously screened online, at other festivals, or in cinemas may still be eligible.

7. Promotional Rights

* By submitting, entrants grant the festival the right to use excerpts, trailers, posters, stills, and promotional materials for marketing and publicity purposes.
* The festival may promote selected films across media platforms, press publications, and social media channels.

8. Screening Rights

* Submission to the festival does not transfer ownership rights.
* Filmmakers retain full ownership of their work.
* Selected films grant the festival non-exclusive permission for scheduled festival screenings only.

9. Fees & Refund Policy

* Submission fees are non-refundable.
* The festival will not provide refunds for disqualification, withdrawal, or failure to comply with submission requirements.

10. Disqualification

The festival reserves the right to disqualify entries that:

* Violate copyright laws
* Contain unlawful or harmful material
* Include false or misleading information
* Fail to meet technical or eligibility requirements

11. Liability

* While every effort will be made to protect submitted materials, the festival is not responsible for damage, loss, or unauthorized access beyond its reasonable control.
* Entrants agree that the festival, organizers, sponsors, and partners shall not be held liable for claims related to submitted works.

12. Acceptance of Terms

By submitting to the festival, entrants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and accepted all festival rules and terms.

13. Festival Mission

The Warien Rose Film Festival exists to empower creatives, celebrate authentic storytelling, encourage innovation, inspire social transformation, and contribute to sustainable development through film, education, and cultural exchange.