Mouth watering monetary prizes await filmmakers who participate in the ‘Re-Imagine Heritage: Magic of the People’ documentary film competition taking place at the 5th Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival (ENIFF) from November 27-30, 2024.
Sponsored by celebrated filmmaker, Ike Nnaebue, who is passionate about empowering young creatives and preserving African cultural heritage through story telling, the competition boasts prizes ranging from N500,000 to N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.
According to Nnaebue, the monetary prizes would go to the best filmmakers who submit new film perspectives that redefine cultural narratives. “Additionally, the top five filmmakers will benefit from one-year mentorship with me, and this will provide an invaluable opportunity to refine their craft under my expert guidance,” he noted.
In a statement announcing the new partnership, Co-founder/CEO of Eastern Nigeria Film and Arts Initiative, organisers of ENIFF, Ujuaku Akukwe, said the competition would uncover and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of South Eastern people of Nigeria.
She added: “The competition encourages filmmakers from the region to capture the essence of their family history through the lens of a smartphone and democratising the filmmaking process.
“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.”
On his part, Ike Nnaebue, said: “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.
“At its core, this competition is about understanding who we were before the colonial era and recognizing that the future of Africa depends on reconnecting with this heritage.”