The Ibadan Slum Film Festival (ISFF) returns in late 2025, bringing the power of cinema to Ibadan’s heart. While the exact 2025 event dates are still being finalized, preparations are well underway: late submissions closed by April 21, 2025, with announcements for screenings expected between September 18 and 20, 2025. The live festival showcasing selected works typically follows in the final quarter of the year.
🎬 Purpose & Platform
ISFF is born of the belief that great stories exist outside mainstream studios—told by filmmakers rooted in slum communities. It’s a platform where short films, documentaries, and features made in underserved areas of Ibadan gain visibility, respect, and audience.
The festival celebrates grassroots filmmaking and social commentary through cinematic art.
🎥 Highlights of the Festival
Duration: Usually a three-day event showcasing selected films.
Content: Short films, documentaries, community narratives, stories of urban challenges and hope.
Location: Screenings at theBUNKer Ibadan—a local arts hub fostering youth creativity and documentary work vimooz.com+1facebook.com+1facebook.comFilmFreeway.
Schedule:
Submissions Deadline: April 21, 2025
Notification & Selection: Likely September 18–20, 2025
Festival Week: Expected late 2025 (exact dates TBD)
🔎 Why ISFF Matters
Amplifies Marginalised Voices: Filmmakers from informal communities share their real stories of struggle, resilience, and creativity.
Community-Focused Art: Emphasises participatory storytelling, workshops, post-screening dialogues, and interaction with audiences.
Youth Empowerment: Many entrants are first-timers—students, activists, local scriptwriters—growing skills through mentorship and workshop programs.
🗓️ Planning Tips
Keep Updated: Watch official festival social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) for confirmed screening dates late 2025.
Venue Access: Screenings at theBUNKer Ibadan—easy to reach within the city center.
Engage Early: Filmmaker workshops and community events often run alongside the screenings—perfect for youth creatives and enthusiasts.
✨ Closing Scene
The Ibadan Slum Film Festival isn't just cinema—it’s cinema with conscience and context, grounded in community experience. As filmmakers from the city's vibrant neighbourhoods unpack urban life through creative lenses, the festival reminds us: storytelling isn’t always polished—it’s honest.
Expect screenings, conversations, and creativity in late 2025, when ISFF takes us deep into the rhythms and realities of Ibadan’s streets.
