The Taraba Human Rights International Film Festival (TAHRIFF) 2025 , recently took its celebration of film and culture beyond the cinema halls, hosting a special outreach program at the Global Methodist Church Nigeria (GMCN) orphanage in Jalingo, Taraba State.
Themed “Reclaiming Humanity through Film, Culture, and Creative Expression,” the event brought together more than 100 children for a lively day of storytelling, performances, and shared laughter.
Led by Festival Director, Moses V. Samuel, the TAHRIFF team transformed the orphanage’s multipurpose hall into a mini cinema. Children were treated to a curated selection of short films and animations centered on values such as friendship, honesty, courage, empathy, and hope.
Addressing the children, Samuel emphasized the power of storytelling to inspire and uplift.
“These children are the true reason we tell stories to remind every young soul that they matter, that their voices count, and that their dreams are valid,” he said. “Through film, we can plant seeds of hope, compassion, and creativity in their hearts. That is the spirit of TAHRIFF reclaiming our shared humanity through art and culture.”
The children also became active participants, showcasing songs, traditional dances, poetry, and a short drama titled “A New Tomorrow.” Their performances, themed around love, unity, and hope, drew emotional applause from guests, volunteers, and caregivers.
Samuel reiterated that TAHRIFF is more than a film festival, describing it as a platform for inclusion and social impact.
“Every year, we ensure the festival goes beyond theatres and screens,” he said. “We bring cinema to the people to schools, villages, and homes like GMCN where stories can inspire and transform lives. This is how we reclaim humanity and rebuild our shared moral foundation.”
TAHRIFF, according to festival organizers, is a pioneering platform dedicated to promoting human rights, peace, and social transformation through film, culture, and creative expression.
Several of the children who spoke to WorldClass247News,shared how the films inspired them, underscoring the role of storytelling in nurturing hope and encouraging personal growth.
The 2025 edition of the festival features film screenings, workshops, artistic showcases, and outreach programs across Taraba State, including advocacy visits to schools and orphanages.