Bonny Island is set to become the centre of attention for filmmakers and cinema lovers as the Rivers International Film Festival (RIFF) takes its 2026 edition to the historic island from October 29 to November 1.
This year’s festival is built around the theme “Film Tourism: A Pathway to Economic Development,” putting the spotlight not only on movies but also on the possibility of using cinema to introduce destinations, cultures and experiences to a wider audience.
RIFF 2026 is expected to feature film screenings, masterclasses, industry conversations, networking opportunities, cultural experiences and an awards programme. The festival reportedly received more than 3,000 film submissions from filmmakers across 182 countries, with hundreds of films selected for the festival and award categories.
For Bonny, however, the location itself could become one of the biggest attractions.
Known for its coastal setting, waterways, history and distinctive cultural heritage, Bonny has long had the ingredients of a tourism destination. Taking an international film festival there creates an opportunity for filmmakers and visitors to experience the island beyond what they see on a cinema screen.
The connection between film and tourism is not new. Locations featured in films and television productions have often become tourist attractions, as audiences develop an interest in seeing the places they have encountered on screen.
RIFF is exploring that same relationship from the festival side, bringing the film industry directly into a destination and using cinema as a way of showcasing its identity.
The festival also comes at a time when conversations around tourism and cultural development are gaining attention in Rivers State. Bonny has increasingly been discussed as a destination with potential beyond its traditional association with the oil and gas industry.
For the entertainment industry, the development could also mean more opportunities for filmmakers, creatives, photographers, performers, hospitality businesses and other players in the tourism and creative economy.
