I am delighted to share that ‘Hope Is a Word’, a documentary feature film on the poets of the Niger Delta, will have its World Premiere at the International First Feature Competition of Sheffield DocFest, UK, on 11th June 2026.
The film tells a powerful story of resistance through self-expression. In Nigeria’s Niger Delta, where decades of oil extraction have devastated communities and the environment, poet and activist Nnimmo Bassey inspires and mentors a new generation of writers to find their voices and speak truth through poetry.
This premiere is particularly meaningful because the project was first presented and nurtured at iREP Doc fest 2025 where its vision immediately connected with our audiences and industry stakeholders. It is a wonderful reminder of the important role our community continues to play in supporting documentary storytelling from Africa.
If you are around Sheffield or can make the trip, please come and celebrate this important milestone with us.
The CEO of Zuri24media
"Hope Is a Word" is a documentary feature film directed by Maria Galliani Dyrvik.
The film focuses on the Niger Delta, where decades of oil spills and gas flaring have devastated communities. It follows renowned poet and activist Nnimmo Bassey as he gathers a new generation of voices—including his son Ukpono and a young woman named Barinedum—to use poetry as a weapon for environmental change and healing.
Production: Produced by Smau Media in collaboration with Ginko Film and Zuri24 Media, with support from the Norwegian Film Institute.
Director: Maria Galliani Dyrvik
Production Companies: Smau Media AS, Ginko Film, and Zuri24media (Lagos)
Protagonist: Nnimmo Bassey
Run Time: 82 minutes
Climate justice, environmental activism, the Niger Delta oil spills, and resistance through self-expression"
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