ESIFF 2022: EDO PARTNERS GIZ AND SDC, UNVEILS EDO STATE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL IN ABUJA

The Deutsche Gesellschaft Für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Swiss Agency for Development Corporation (SDC) has partnered with the Edo State Government in ensuring the success of the Edo State International Film Festival #ESIFF2022.

(L-R) Festival Director, Mr. Davidson Izegaegbe; Head of Programmes Skills Development for Youth Empowerment, Tobias Wolfgarten; Managing Director, Edo State Skills Development Agency, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare; the Technical Advisor for Skills Development for Youth Employment Programme (GIZ-SKYE), Felix Wunsche; Director of Media, PR and Communication for the festival, Latasha Ngwube; Production and setup personnel for the festival, Mr. Elvis Ahior; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Development Partnerships and Donor Agencies, Mr. Uyiosa Samuel Osifo.

Speaking at the press briefing in Abuja, GIZ Head of Programmes Skills Development for Youth Empowerment, Tobias Wolfgarten, said, “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".

This event is sponsored by the SDC and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and is scheduled to take place from September 1st to September 4th, 2022 at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Sound Stage and Kada Cinemas in Benin city, Edo State.

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.

"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" says Ukinebo Dare.

According to the director of the festival, Daividson Izegbaegbe, the 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. 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, PR and Communication for the festival, Latasha Ngwube, said the festival will grace 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.

The festival will 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.