The European Union (EU), in collaboration with the Zuma International Film Festival and the Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival, has launched a short film competition targeting emerging filmmakers in the country. The competition aims at enriching participants’ knowledge in modern filmography and exposing them to emerging trends in the industry. The EU will also host a filmmaking Impact Lab for budding film makers at both festivals.

A press release issued by the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS said the top six entries in each competition at both the Zuma and Eastern Nigeria Film festivals, taking place in Abuja and Enugu later this month and early next month, respectively, will be screened at the respective festivals. The makers of the overall top entry in each festival will, in addition, receive a cash prize of one million naira each from the EU.

According to the press release, the six lucky up-and-coming filmmakers will have the opportunity to network with top professionals in the industry and also receive insightful feedback from them. Participants are required to make a short film of three minutes maximum, on the themes, namely “Digital Renaissance- Leveraging Digital Technology to Power Creativity” for Zuma International Film Festival and “Youth, Democracy, and Inclusive Society” for Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival.

The top winner will be announced after the screening to the six selected entries at the festivals. The competition is open to only people from ages 20-35 and must speak to the respective themes of the two festivals this year. According to the organizers of the competition, entries will be judged based on predetermined criteria, including thematic focus, storyline and message, creativity, picture, and sound quality.

The Impact Lab, to be anchored by award-winning film-makers of international repute, will provide an Impact filmmaking masterclass for emerging filmmakers, who are passionate about engaging their creativity to lend their voices in addressing social issues. 

The sessions include Masterclasses on Impact Story Telling, Funding and Distribution for impact films and Short Documentary Grant.

GUIDELINES

Entry Requirement

1; Must be a Youth between ages 20-35 years old.

2; Entry must be on the stated theme for each of the festivals.

3; All entries must be a maximum of 3 minutes for the Short Film Competition and a SYNOPSIS for the

4; Documentary Competition (Documentary must be a maximum of 20 minutes).

5; Entries are only received within the stated deadline.

6; Entries in any other language other than English is accepted, but MUST have English subtitle.

7; Only one entry from a filmmaker is acceptable per category (short film & documentary category),

however, filmmakers are free to apply to both festivals.