Edo to Host First International Film Festival with Over 1,500 Entries

The Edo State Government, in partnership with private sector stakeholders, is set to host the maiden edition of the Edo State International Film Festival (ESIFF), which has attracted 1,551 movie entries from 94 countries.

The Managing Director of Edo State Skills Development Agency, EdoJobs, Ukinebo Dare, revealed this to journalists in Benin City, ahead of the film extravaganza.

The state also launched the logo and brand ambassadors for the film festival. They are Nollywood actor and film producer, Nosa Rex Okunzuwa, and actress and television host, Linda Osifo.

Dare said the festival, which will run from September 1st to September 4, 2022, aims to promote the film industry and make the state a preferred destination for film and television productions.

She added that, as part of the festival, over 200 movies will be screened at various locations in the state, creating a platform for networking and talent development in the state’s creative sector.

Dare said, “Edo State International Film Festival has received 1,551 movies as entries for the festival from 94 different countries. We have an international jury, comprising film professors and filmmakers from around the world, that will watch all these films and select the best movie from these entries that will be screened during the festival. The festival holds from 1st to 4th of September, 2022.”

She noted that winners will receive up to $6,000 in prizes, and said, “We have three categories in the festival that have cash prizes of $2,000 each. These categories are the best student film, the best film shot with a phone or a tablet, and the best use of technology in filmmaking. The winners will be announced during the film festival.”

She continued: “We will have 200 movies showing for four days at three different locations in the state, as it will create opportunities for film critics, content producers, and movie celebrities to interact and build a strong network to improve the art and craft of filmmaking in the state.

“We will be collaborating with some reputable organisations to ensure the film festival is a success.”

The Festival Director, Mr. Davison Izegaegbe, said the film festival will also include several training programmes to expose creatives in the state and showcase the Edo film industry to the global market.

He said, “The film festival is not just for the fun of showing movies, but to attract and expose filmmakers to the international market.”

The Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Hon. Bamidele Olaitan, said, “This event is another initiative of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to restore the hope of the Edo people.

“This festival has enabled us to embark on a journey to tell our stories ourselves to the world and change our narratives, as well as market ourselves and our cultural heritage to the world.”