The first ever edition of the Edo International Film Festival (ESIFF) will begin in the ancient city of Benin, Edo State on Thursday 1 September 2022 with guests expected from over 90 countries. The theme for the four-day fiesta is “Edo To The World” and it has since unveiled the duo of Linda Osifo and Rex Nosa as ambassadors at a well attended event in Lagos as well as in Abuja.
A statement by the festival’s Director of Media, Latasha Ngwube, said it is in conjunction with Edo State Skills Development Agency (EdoJobs), Swiss Development Corporation SDC, and the Nigerian German Cooperation implemented by the GIZ.
Also onboard as partners on the project are corporate sponsors like Phoenix browser, Accelerate TV, Presco Plc, and Kada Cinemas.
Acclaimed filmmaker Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen heads the film committee which comprises a jury led by Prof. Osakue Omoera, Kabat Eseosa Egbon, Pat Oghre Imobhio and a host of others.
According to Ngwube, there will be over 150 specially curated movies screenings across Kada Cinemas, and Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Sound Stage, masterclasses with industry experts, panel discussions, movie premieres, and other exciting in-person events as well as virtual sessions with local and international industry experts.
Film stars expected to join other practitioners at the festival include Mercy Aigbe, Charles Inojie, Alex Usifo, Lancelot Imasuen, Cleopatra Starrett, Uche Agbo, Etinosa Idemudia, Remi Ibinola, Onye Ubanatu, and Jennifer Alegieuno amidst others.
Speaking at the press briefing in Abuja, GIZ Head of Programmes Skills Development for Youth Empowerment, Tobias Wolfgarten, said, “With over 1,500 movie entries submitted from over 90 countries, #ESIFF2022 will be a potpourri of the best talents out of Edo standing alongside world-class veterans judging the various categories”.
The host of the festival is the Edo State Governor, H.E Godwin Obaseki, Edo State Skills Development Agency and convened by the Managing Director, Edo State Skills Development Agency, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare.
According to Dare, “There will be exciting cash prizes of up to $2,000 dollars each for movies in three specific and highly competitive categories sponsored by Phoenix Browser namely; Best Student Film Making, Best Use of Technology and Best Cell Phone/ Tab Movie”.
Find out more at: https://www.edofilmfestival.ng/