The 2025 edition of the Taraba Human Rights International Film Festival (TAHRIFF) opened yesterday with a stirring keynote address delivered by festival Director, Moses Samuel.
The address set a reflective and urgent tone for this year’s gathering of filmmakers, activists, policymakers, cultural custodians, and human rights advocates.
In a speech that moved far beyond the cinematic screen, Samuel described film as “more than entertainment; it is a mirror, a teacher, a witness, and a messenger.”
He called on participants to see TAHRIFF not just as a celebration of art, but as a platform for interrogating deep societal issues and inspiring global transformation through storytelling.
“Why is there so much adversity in our world? Why does criminality seem to rise faster than righteousness?” Samuel asked, challenging the audience to reflect on humanity’s struggles—and its potential.
The keynote positioned storytelling as a revolutionary force, capable of shaping consciousness, restoring dignity, and healing communities.
Samuel emphasized the importance of indigenous creativity and originality as essential not only for cultural preservation, but for building sustainable futures.
“When we value our originality, we find strength that imitation can never give,” he said.
“And when communities around the world share their authentic voices, humanity grows richer, more united, and more inspired.”
This year’s TAHRIFF places a strong emphasis on rebuilding the foundations of society particularly the family structure as a path to global healing.
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Samuel urged the festival community to imagine new family models rooted in compassion, equality, and respect, arguing that “strong families give birth to strong communities, and strong communities shape a peaceful and prosperous world.”
With a call to let TAHRIFF be the “spark” that ignites global unity and a deeper connection to the human spirit.
Samuel concluded his address with a sweeping vision that stretches from Taraba to the wider world—and even to “galaxies yet unknown.”
TAHRIFF 2025 is set to showcase a diverse selection of human rights-focused films from around the globe, each echoing the festival’s commitment to justice, dignity, and creative expression.
As the lights dim and the screenings begin, one thing is clear: at TAHRIFF, film is not just watched it is felt, questioned, and lived.
