The annual iREPRESENT International Documentary Film Festival (iREP) is gearing up for its 2024 edition, set to take place from March 21st to 24th in Lagos, Nigeria. The festival will also offer a virtual component, expanding its reach to a wider audience.Â
In the lead-up to the event, the Programme Directorate has revealed a captivating lineup of films that will headline the festival. This year’s program features a strong focus on African stories, with many films hailing from Nigeria and other African countries. Most of the documentaries were produced between 2023 and 2024, ensuring fresh and timely content.
Headlining Films Spark Conversation and Ignite Change
Among the most anticipated films are:
LOOT and the Lost Kingdoms*(directed by Gbemi Shasore, 2023): This powerful documentary delves into the tragic reality of Africa’s stolen artifacts, focusing specifically on Nigeria. It exposes the extensive plundering of cultural treasures and the devastating loss of knowledge, culture, spirituality, and science suffered by African societies. The film ignites a crucial dialogue on the return of looted artifacts and ponders if it can truly rectify the historical wrongs.Â
MADU (directed by Matthew Ogens and Joel Benson, 2024): This heartwarming documentary follows 12-year-old Anthony Madu on his extraordinary journey from his Nigerian home to one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world in England. Facing cultural and geographical distance, Anthony strives for his dreams while navigating challenges and forging new connections. MADU is a story of resilience, cultural exchange, and the pursuit of passion.
THE FUJI DOCUMENTARY (directed by Saheed Aderinto, 2023): This documentary explores the vibrant musical genre of Fuji, a dominant force in Yoruba musical traditions. The film dives into the life and legacy of Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, the man credited with creating Fuji, and examines its influence on contemporary music like Afrobeats and hip-hop.
KI’MON: The Eastern Nigeria Afro-funk Revolution 1970-1980** (directed by Nze Ed Keazor, 2024): This documentary celebrates the electrifying Afro-Funk and Afro-Rock scene that emerged in Eastern Nigeria during the 1970s after the Nigerian Civil War. It pays tribute to the genre’s iconic musicians who brought joy and healing to a nation recovering from conflict.Â
These are just a few examples of the diverse and thought-provoking films that will be screened at iREP 2024. The festival also features documentaries tackling critical social issues, such as:
SOOT CITY (directed by Adeolu Shogbola, 2024): This documentary sheds light on the environmental crisis caused by illegal oil refineries in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Highlighting the health impacts of air pollution and the urgency for environmental action, SOOT CITY aims to raise awareness and inspire change. Â
EXCRETAPOLITICS (directed by Yoel Meranda, 2024): This South African documentary explores the sanitation struggles faced by residents in Cape Town’s informal settlements who lack access to proper sewage systems. It offers a powerful social commentary on infrastructural inequality and the fight for basic human rights.
Beyond the Main Stage: Inner City Screenings Expand Reach
Building on the success of its 2023 initiative, iREP is bringing back the Inner City Screening (ICS) project. This program aims to spread the power of documentary filmmaking to underserved communities in Lagos. Following the theme “Documentary Film for the Underserved,” the ICS project will once again screen selected films in Bariga, Ajegunle, Ikorodu, and Ejigbo.
Righting the Future: A Festival Theme with Purpose
The 2024 edition of iREP carries the theme “Righting the Future.” This theme is designed to spark critical conversations about the future of Africa, encouraging dialogue between generations and fostering a sense of collective responsibility. It resonates particularly strongly in light of recent political and social challenges faced by many African countries.
Celebrating Soyinka: A Special Festival Edition
This year’s iREP holds particular significance as it coincides with the 90th birthday of Professor Wole Soyinka, the Nobel laureate and distinguished African literary icon. The festival will be designated as “The SOYINKA Edition” to honor his legacy. A two-day program dedicated to Soyinka will be held at the Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga Centre. The program will feature keynote addresses by renowned scholars, panel discussions, and screenings of films related to Soyinka’s work and activism
