…as documentary film competition berths

By Benjamin Njoku

Celebrated filmmaker Ike Nnaebue in partnership with the organizers of the 2024 edition of Eastern Nigeria International film festival, ENIFF, has established the Magic of the people documentary film competition to reward deserving filmmakers at this year’s festival.

This year’s ENIFF which celebrates its 5th edition under the theme “Re-Imagine Heritage: Magic of the People” opens from Wednesday, November 27, and climaxes on Saturday, November 27,in Enugu.

In line with the theme of the festival, the competition seeks to uncover and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Southeast Nigeria. It also encourages filmmakers from the region to capture the essence of their family history through the lens of a smartphone, democratizing the filmmaking process and making it accessible to all.

Announcing the partnership, the Co-founder and CEO of Eastern Nigeria Film and Arts Initiative organisers of ENIFF, Ujuaku Akukwe , said “we are indeed excited to announce the launch of Re-imagine Heritage documentary film competition. This is in order to uncover and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the South Eastern people of Nigeria.

“The “Re-Imagine Heritage: Magic of the People” competition stands as a cornerstone of the festival, embodying its theme of reimagining and redefining narratives. Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or just beginning your journey, this competition offers a platform to shine and make a lasting impact on African cinema”.

For ace filmmaker Ike Nnaebue, “This initiative embarks on a powerful journey to heal the deep-seated wounds left by colonization and to reconnect with the rich heritage that defines us as Africans,”

The competition offers significant rewards for participants, with prizes totaling over one million naira, sponsored by Ike Nnaebue. The top three films will receive cash prizes of 500,000 Naira, 300,000 Naira, and 200,000 Naira, respectively. In addition, the top five filmmakers will benefit from a one-year mentorship with Nnaebue, providing an invaluable opportunity to refine their craft under his expert guidance.