A Nigerian documentary exploring the ancient practice of healing tattoos among the Esan people of Edo State has secured a nomination at the inaugural Authentic Global Film Awards.
“Ema/Udeh,” written and directed by cultural activist and filmmaker Samuel Osaze, delves into the traditional art form known as “Ema/Udeh,” where tattoos serve both as artistic expression and a medicinal treatment for splenomegaly (swollen spleen). The awards ceremony, organized by Authentic Global TV Media, will be held on May 21, 2025, in Los Angeles.
The documentary explores the perspectives of “Ema/Udeh” practitioners, local community members, academics, and medical experts. Osaze examines the aesthetic, artistic, spiritual, and medicinal aspects of the practice, questioning its effectiveness in treating splenomegaly, the preference of locals for this treatment over conventional medicine, and its potential alignment with global health standards.
The film also investigates whether splenomegaly is endemic to the Esan people and compares the traditional practice to modern tattoo artistry.
According to a letter from festival representative Dr. Gershom Sikaala to the director, “Ema/Udeh” was recognized as “a testament to Osaze’s exceptional artistry and dedication to the craft of filmmaking, and a means of honouring his creative achievement.”
Selected from over 3,000 submissions, “Ema/Udeh” aligns with the Authentic Global Film Awards’ mission to recognize and promote compelling narratives that celebrate the resilience of the human spirit.
“At the heart of storytelling lies the power to inspire, uplift, and transform lives,” states the festival website. “With this ethos, our festival showcases purpose-driven films that promote peace, diversity, inclusion, wholesome family themes, and environmental sustainability.” The site further explains the organization’s guiding values: “We draw inspiration from the very foundations of Christian values, presenting stories that shine a light on love, compassion, and redemption. Through this authentic lens, we aim to inspire hope and motivate audiences to embrace their own unique paths.”
Beyond the nomination, which places “Ema/Udeh” in contention for one of the awards’ 12 categories, the festival offers substantial incentives to nominated filmmakers. These include potential prizes ranging from a $10,000 Feature Film of the Year Award and $5,000 Monetary Support for Filmmakers to a $1,500 Writer of the Year award, along with 10 Out of Competition Special Awards.
Additionally, nominated works will receive non-exclusive distribution on the Authentic TV (ATV) platform, benefiting from a comprehensive promotional campaign to reach a global audience. Creators of nominated works, like Osaze, will also receive two festival passes and a pair of tickets to the prestigious awards gala.
