REFFA AWARDS 2025 celebrates African stories in style

5h ago | Source: Graphic Online

Executive Director of REFFA Awards, Mrs Selassie Ibrahim flanked by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie as they present the keys to the car to the winner of Best Picture, Asurf Oluseyi

The vibrant African film industry was celebrated in style on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the inaugural Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA) held at the Palms Convention Centre, La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.

The event, which was preceded by a four-day festival of film screenings, masterclasses, and networking, lived up to its promise as a major pan-African platform, drawing a massive turnout of incredible filmmakers, actors, industry professionals and stakeholders from across African countries and the diaspora.

The red carpet was a dazzling display of African fashion and glamour, setting the stage for an evening dedicated to honouring cinematic excellence. Attendees hailed from key film hubs like Nigeria, Mauritius, Ghana, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, Morroco and beyond, underscoring REFFA's commitment to continental unity and collaboration in the arts.

The Executive Director, Selassie Ibrahim and the REFFA team were praised for successfully launching a platform that not only recognizes outstanding talent but also provides vital opportunities for creative exchange and industry growth.

The overwhelming presence of both established and emerging talents highlighted the festival's immediate impact in bridging the gap between creativity, technology, and financing in Africa's film ecosystem.

The awards ceremony recognized achievements across numerous categories, celebrating the diversity and quality of films submitted from over 21 countries.

The movie ‘3 Cold Dishes’ directed by Oluseyi Asurf Amuwa and produced by Grammy award-wining artiste, Burna Boy won big on the night including Best Actress, Most Promising actor, Achievement in Production Design, Achievement in Sound, Best Cinematography. They also walked away with a brand new car for winning the Best Picture award.

The event was attended by high-profile dignitaries which included the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Chief of Staff of the Republic of Ghana, Hon. Julius Debrah, the archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams, Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Mr Ibrahim Mahama and a host of others including a representation from the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II and His Royal Majesty Otumfour Osei Tutu

There were performances from Sonnie Badu, Diana Hamilton, King Promise, Kizz Daniel, Empress Gifty, Nene Narh, Parrot Mouth, Kwan Pa Band and Patchbay Band.

Gospel singer, Sonnie Badu performed at the event

The maiden REFFA Awards concluded with a strong message: African cinema is a rapidly thriving industry with stories that resonate globally. The success of the festival in Accra signals a powerful new chapter for regional collaboration and international recognition of African film.

Full list of winners below

Best Film – RISE (Zimbabwe)

Best Documentary – Beyond Olympic Glory (Nigeria)

Best Animation – The Guardians —The Chosen Ones (Ghana)

Best Student Film – Ebu (Ghana)

Best Actor (Male) – Ricky Adelayitar – The Fisherman (Ghana)

Best Actor (Female) – Fat Toure / Osas Ighodaro / Maud Guerard – 3 Cold Dishes

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) – Clemento Suarez (Ghana)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female) – Mercy Aigbe – My Mother Is A Witch (Nigeria)

Most Promising Actor – Maud Guerard – 3 Cold Dishes (Nigeria)

Best Child Actor — Sikhanyiso Ngwenya — Rise (Zimbabwe)

Achievement in Costume Design - Joan Nantege - Karamoja (Uganda)