The Edo State Government is partnering with the Deutsche Gesellschaft Für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Swiss Agency for Development Corporation (SDC) on the maiden edition of the state International Film Festival 2022.
This event is sponsored by the SDC and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Themed ‘Edo To The World’, the event is scheduled to be held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Sound Stage in Benin city, Edo State from September 1 to 4, 2022.
The Chief Host of the festival is Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and is convened by the Managing Director, Edo State Skills Development Agency, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare.
Tobias Wolfgarten, Head of Project, GIZ said, “This event is the first of its kind and will be a milestone in the emergence of the Edo Film industry to the global stage. With over 1500 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.
“There will be exciting cash prizes of up to $2,000 dollars each for movies in 3 specific and highly competitive categories sponsored by Phoenix Browser namely; Best Student Film Making, Best Use of Technology and Best Cell Phone/ Tab Movie respectively.”
Daividson Izegbaegbe, Director of the Festival, said: “Edo State International Film Festival looks to bring together movie makers, investors, distributors and industry enthusiasts from around the world (Virtually and physically) and attract the attention of key players within the creative industry in Edo State as well as promote the collaboration of filmmakers with Edo state origin, movies made in Edo State and the international community.
“The festival will serve as an avenue to promote creative skills development and create job opportunities for the residents of Edo State as well as spot emerging talent ripe for internships and collaborative opportunities with content streaming platforms like Accelerate TV.”
Director of Media, Public Relations and Communication for the festival Latasha Ngwube said it will have the presence of top Nollywood and International movie stars and industry experts such as Mercy Aigbe, Charles Inojie, Alex Usifo, Lancelot Imasuen, Cleopatra Starretts, Uche Agbo, Etinosa Idemudia, Remi Ibinola, Onye Ubanatu, and Jennifer Alegieuno amongst others physically and virtually who would be facilitating various sessions within the creative industry.
She said the festival would create an avenue for the participants to not only showcase but expand their creativity, connect and interact with creatives from across the world and foster content partnerships.
