The Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA) announced its nominees for the December ceremony last Friday at the Accra Marriott Hotel, drawing a crowd that included Joselyn Dumas, Eunice Banini, Portia Asare and Akuma Mama Zimbie. The festival, scheduled for December 8 to 11, 2026, will feature scriptwriting and marketing sessions, a film market, pitch meetings and a portrait night on the final evening.
Founder and CEO Selassie Ibrahim said the festival is “my baby” because without a new network producing, educating and marketing, there is no industry to award. She added that the aim is to ensure African content is everywhere, told in our own way and meeting world standards.
According to Ibrahim, 36 countries submitted 314 entries, including films from across Africa, the United States, Italy and Iran. The nominees span a range of genres, from drama and comedy to documentary, with titles such as “Shadows of the Past” (Ghana), “Echoes from Home” (Ghana), “Monica” (Nigeria) and “The Rusty Fish” (Iran).
“I’m inviting everybody to dress in traditional wear and come to network and connect,” Ibrahim urged. “I’m excited because I know God will not fail us.” The festival’s opening panel will feature industry leaders from outside Ghana who can teach packaging, storytelling and investor attraction.
As the event closes, the portrait night on December 11 will showcase all nominated countries, with representatives expected to arrive in traditional attire to celebrate their films and foster connections.
