Lagos, Nigeria – August 4, 2025 — The African Indigenous Language Film Festival (AILFF’25) proudly welcomes award-winning Nollywood actress, filmmaker, and industry leader Ijeoma Richards to its esteemed jury. Richards joins the panel alongside head juror Stephen Chigorimbo, the legendary Zimbabwean filmmaker, as the festival unveils its theme: “Threads of Culture: Weaving Inclusion Through Filmmaking”. 

A Powerhouse Joins the Jury
Richards, CEO of Trimm Network, acclaimed for over 100 films and celebrated for her Igbo-language documentary Uru Igba-boi (screened at seven international festivals), brings deep expertise in indigenous storytelling. As President of the Nollywood Creative Minds Forum (NCMF), she has been instrumental in advancing professionalism and innovation in African cinema, making her an ideal addition to AILFF’s 2025 jury. 

A Jury Led by a Cinematic Legend
The jury is chaired by Stephen Chigorimbo, with a four-decade career spanning Hollywood classics such as Cry Freedom and King Solomon’s Mines, as well as Zimbabwe’s iconic Studio 263. AILFF founder Osezua Stephen-Imobhio calls Chigorimbo “a bridge between Africa’s cinematic past and future.” Together, this distinguished panel will oversee an expanded selection process, evaluating films from across the globe. 

Festival Expansion & Call for Submissions
This year, AILFF welcomes films in any language that explore themes of inclusion and disability —a historic move that broadens the festival’s global reach while maintaining its core focus on cultural heritage. 

Submit Your Film
Filmmakers are invited to submit entries until September 30, 2025, via: 
- [FilmFreeway ►](https://filmfreeway.com/AILFF)
- [Festhome ►](https://festhome.com/festival/ailff)

The festival will be held December 3–5, 2025, at Freedom Park and Blue Pictures Cinemas, Lagos. 

Contact & Connect
For media inquiries:
AILFF Secretariat
Email: ailfffilmfestival@gmail.com
Tel: +234 802 314 1942
Website: [www.ailff.com](http://www.ailff.com)


About AILFF:
Founded in 2023, the African Indigenous Language Film Festival celebrates Africa’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity through cinema. The 2025 edition, “Threads of Culture,” highlights stories of inclusion, disability, and heritage, and continues to elevate African cinema globally. 

#AILFF2025 #ThreadsOfCulture #AfricanCinema #IjeomaRichards #StephenChigorimbo