By Benjamin Njoku

The Bitter Feminist’, a groundbreaking docudrama series, is set to premiere at the 2025 iRep International Documentary Film Festival, scheduled to take place from March 27 to 30, 2025.

Created by Daniel Chukwuemeka and Ijeoma Chinonyerem, the five-episode series delves into the realities of gender inequality in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, shedding light on feminism, oppression, and resistance.

The series explores these critical issues, amplifying women’s voices and demanding a radical re-evaluation of societal structures and gender inequities.It also features candid interviews and personal narratives from women who identify as feminists, highlighting their defiance of traditional gender roles.

 At its core, the series tells the story of Ringret, a young woman from Northern Nigeria who survived rape and forced marriage, embodying the resilience of countless women fighting for their rights.

Directed by Priye Diri and produced by Isaac Newton Akah, ‘The Bitter Feminist’ explores key themes, including misogyny, child marriage, restrictive gender roles, consent, and transactional sex. The series critically examines cultural and institutional barriers while celebrating the strength of women who refuse to be silenced.

“This film will always be special to me because it represents the intersection of my life’s work as both an artist and an advocate. In embracing this supposed ‘bitterness,’ we reveal its source—not in the women who speak, but in systems that have silenced us for generations. I am honored to share this story at the iREP Film Festival. The festival celebrates bold storytelling and challenges the narratives that shape our society,” Diri said.

Set to take place from March 27 to 30, 2025, the iRep Festival continues to serve as a vital platform for films that engage with Africa’s most pressing issues. This year’s edition explores “Freedom: Rights and Responsibility,” examining the balance between personal liberties and collective duty.

 By premiering at iRep Festival, The Bitter Feminist aims to ignite critical conversations on gender justice in Africa. More than just a film screening, it is a call to action. As it makes its highly anticipated debut on March 29, 2025, marking its first-ever public viewing, the docudrama challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and reimagine a more equitable future.