Governor Obaseki Launches Sophomore Edo State International Film Festival

On Sunday evening, 15 October 2023, a cocktail event held at the Fantasia Hall in Eko Hotel and Suites, in Victoria Island, Lagos, set the tone for the second edition of the Edo State International Film Festival (ESIFF), powered by the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub.

The event was graced by the Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki. Nollywood personalities and stakeholders were also present, such as the actors Nobert Young, Carol King, Bucci Franklin, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Nosa Rex, and Mary Njoku. Also present were representatives of Goethe-Institut Nigeria, as well as ESIFF ambassadors such as Ibrahim Suleiman, Benjamin Olaye, and Victory Idahosa. Film enthusiasts and members of the press were also present in the event that was abundant in drinks, while Kevwe & Cam and the Lagos Panic treated attendees to live music.

In his speech, Governor Obaseki said that over 3,000 films from 126 countries were submitted for ESIFF’s second edition. The 5 countries with the most submissions include Nigeria, Iran, India, United States and Brazil. Applause erupted in the hall when the Governor announced that the overall winner among the submitted films will be awarded $35,000.

Obaseki said that this year’s edition is aimed at supporting local filmmakers, and at fostering creative industry partnerships, global promotion, innovative technology and cultural exchange. 

The governor said that he is committed  to promoting creative talents and the creative industry as a whole in Edo State. He also expressed his desire for the state to compete with Nigeria’s commercial capital Lagos which is currently the hub of Nigerian film.

“What you find in Lagos is just a tip of the iceberg. There are lots of kids, the ones we are training through schools now, many of whom are creatives. We are investing in infrastructure and working on collaborating with you [Nollywood stakeholders] to build a resounding film industry,” the Governor said. 

The governor also recognized and thanked some of ESIFF’s partners, some of which are Nigerian Breweries, Skye, Azura, Pepsi, FilmOne Entertainment, Deutsche Filmakademie, Rok studio, Depend Entertainment, and Goethe-Institut Nigeria. 

Last year, at ESIFF’s inaugural edition, 1,150 films from 96 countries were submitted; also, 12 masterclass sessions were hosted, with 3, 820 delegates in attendance. At the end of the event, about 60% of the participating filmmakers began early production of their films to meet up with ESIFF 2023 submissions. Among the editions achievements was the enlistment of the Winner of the Skit category as part of the project (MUFTI).

ESIFF ambassador and veteran Nollywood actor Ibrahim Suleiman said, “I’m really glad that we get an opportunity to build on a relationship that already exists. Edo State has been very supportive of Nollywood. One of my favorite shows on African Magic was filmed on a location in Edo state. This is an opportunity to do more things here [in Lagos] and in Edo state”.

Nollywood filmmaker Jay Franklyn Jituboh also said that “it’s a brilliant initiative to showcase the talents of not only people from Edo state but also other people from Lagos and other parts of the country.”

The Edo State International Film Festival will be held from 30 November to 2 December, 2023, in Edo State.