With the theme “Transformation,” the anniversary edition will examine the transformative power of documentary filmmaking in Africa over the past 15 years. The various events in the programme – conversations, screenings, workshops, trainings etc – will spotlight the role of documentary films in shaping public discourse, influencing policy, preserving cultural memory, and amplifying African voices on global platforms
THE iREPRESENT International Documentary Film Festival (iREP) has announced a strategic partnership with Ecobank Nigeria for its 15th anniversary edition, scheduled to hold March 18–22, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan‑African Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The 2026 festival marks 15 years since the founding of iREP, acclaimed as one of Africa’s most influential platforms for documentary films. Convened by the Foundation for the Promotion of Documentary Films in Africa (FPDFA), iREP has consistently advanced documentary storytelling, critical discourse, and capacity development across the continent.
With the theme “Transformation,” the anniversary edition will examine the transformative power of documentary filmmaking in Africa over the past 15 years. The various events in the programme – conversations, screenings, workshops, trainings etc – will spotlight the role of documentary films in shaping public discourse, influencing policy, preserving cultural memory, and amplifying African voices on global platforms.
Set against a reawakened African cultural renaissance, the festival reflects a renewed emphasis on African creativity, identity, and talent. Through documentary cinema, iREP continues to place African storytellers at the centre of conversations shaping the continent’s past, present, and future.
Co-Founder and Executive Director of iREP, Femi Odugbemi, unveiling the anniversary edition recently in Lagos, stated: “The 2026 festival is a special anniversary edition, marking 15 years since the founding of iREP, one of Africa’s most influential platforms for documentary cinema. He added, “Over the years, iREP has played a critical role in advancing documentary storytelling, discourse, and skills development across the continent.” He described the partnership with Ecobank Nigeria as a landmark collaboration that reflects a shared commitment to youth empowerment, creativity, and capacity building, particularly for young and emerging documentary filmmakers.
As part of the partnership, Ecobank Nigeria will host a three‑day Mobile Phone Filmmaking Workshop from March 16–18, 2026, ahead of the festival. To be facilitated by renowned and tested filmmakers, the workshop will provide participants with hands‑on training in producing compelling documentary films using mobile devices. Outstanding films produced during the workshop will attract prize rewards, encouraging innovation and excellence among participants.
Commenting on the collaboration, Austen Osokpor, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Ecobank Nigeria, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to the creative and cultural sectors. “As a Pan‑African bank, we have a collective vision of promoting African culture to reinforce and celebrate our shared heritage. This partnership aligns with the broader resurgence of African creativity, enabling talents to thrive while preserving the stories that define who we are as a people.”
The 2026 iREP programme will feature over 30 documentary films, including award‑winning titles addressing key themes such as governance and democracy, advocacy, technology, and culture. The festival will offer a dynamic mix of screenings, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions — bringing together filmmakers, scholars, policymakers, students, and documentary enthusiasts from across Africa and beyond.
About iREP: IREP Festival: The festival is conceptually framed around the iREP generic theme of Africa in Self-Conversation, which is drawn from the founding conceptual framework of the iREP Documentary Film Forum designed to promote awareness about the power of the documentary format to serve as a means of deepening and sharing social and cultural education as well as encouraging participatory democracy in African societies.
iREP Foundation: Co-founded in 2010 by the Content Creator, Storyteller, Femi Odugbemi, Film and Media Manager, Makin Soyinka, and Culture Curator and Communicator, Jahman Anikulapo, who are referred as Directors/Co-Founders, later joined by the Architect and Culture Promoter, Theo Lawson, IREPRESENT International Documentary Film Forum, iREP is registered with the CAC under the name: Foundation for the Promotion of Documentary Film in Africa, and operates under a Governing Board of Nigerian and Foreign filmmakers, scholars and managers, chaired by the Nigerian-American, Professor Awam Amkpa, currently Dean of Arts & Humanities, New York University, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Mission & Objectives: iREP is conceptualised to create a platform of awareness and expression for aspiring and practising filmmakers who are creating socially relevant documentary films to positively impact our world. Its mission is to fully engage an array of trans-cultural creativity, by providing a forum for everyone’s ingenuity to be showcased without prejudice to style or subject. iREP celebrates the ever-expanding world of documentary films by inviting talents from across the globe to share ideas on trends and technological advancements in the format.
About Ecobank Nigeria: Ecobank Nigeria is a member of the Ecobank Group, the leading pan-African banking institution with operations in 33 African countries and international offices in London, Paris, Beijing, and Dubai. With over 220 branches, more than 36,000 agency banking locations, and robust digital platforms, Ecobank delivers accessible, affordable, and instant banking services. The Bank is strategically positioned to support pan-African trade, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).