The Fisherman and 3 Cold Dishes Dominate at Maiden Regal Film Festival and Awards in Accra.

The maiden edition of the Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA) 2025 lit up Accra with glamour, artistry, and celebration of African cinema. Held at a packed 1,500-capacity venue, the event drew celebrities, filmmakers, and creatives from across the continent, marking a milestone for African storytelling on regional and global platforms.

The night’s biggest triumph belonged to the Nigerian film “3 Cold Dishes”, an ambitious Anglophone–Francophone collaboration produced by Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy. The film swept multiple top honours, including:

Best Actress (Fat Toure, Osas Ighodaro, Maud Guerard)

Most Promising Actor (Maud Guerard)

Achievement in Production Design (Asurf Oluseyi)

Achievement in Sound (Andrew Ahuura)

Achievement in Cinematography (KC. Obiajulu)

Achievement in Directing (Asurf Oluseyi)

Best Picture

Praised for its powerful storytelling and strong performances, 3 Cold Dishes highlighted Nigeria’s growing influence in African cinema.

“The Fisherman,” Ghana’s standout entry at REFFA 2025, emerged as one of the festival’s most celebrated films. The film, written and directed by Zoey Martinson, also screened as the official closing film of the festival, impressed attendees with its gripping narrative and technical brilliance. The film picked up very key awards, which are;

Best Actor (Male) – Ricky Adelayitar

Achievement in Visual Effects – Darie Amai Shelton / Nurudeen Tahiru

Achievement in Editing – Jasmin Way

Best Ghanaian Film – The Fisherman

Its success underscored Ghana’s growing influence in African cinema and highlighted the strength of homegrown storytelling on the continental stage.

The Vice President of Ghana, Her Excellency Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who attended the event, underscored the importance of REFFA for the continent’s creative industry. In a social media post, she wrote, “Last night, I attended the maiden edition of the Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA) 2025. It was a pleasant evening that marked the beginning of an important moment for our creative industry… REFFA is not only recognising achievement but also opening doors beyond our borders, positioning African film on regional and global platforms.”

She further urged young filmmakers to pursue depth, professionalism, and sustainability, while calling on investors to recognise the industry’s potential for jobs, cultural diplomacy, and economic growth.

Also in attendance were the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts for Ghana, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Chief of Staff Hon. Julius Debrah and several other government appointees.

Full List of REFFA 2025 Winners

REFFA 2025 has set the stage for a new era in African film, spotlighting diverse voices and stories from across the continent, showcasing the rich tapestry of African creativity.

As the Vice President of Ghana emphasised, REFFA is more than an awards night; it is a platform for elevating African narratives and nurturing the next generation of talent.