The TreasureWells Foundation, in partnership with the Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival (ENIFF), is excited to announce the launch of the “Re-Imagine Heritage: Magic of the People” Documentary Competition, as part of this year’s festival. Scheduled to take place from November 19-23, 2024, in Enugu, Nigeria. This year’s ENIFF celebrates its 5th edition under the theme “Reimagine,” inviting filmmakers to explore new perspectives and redefine cultural narratives.
In alignment with this theme, the “Re-Imagine Heritage: Magic of the People” competition seeks to uncover and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Southeast Nigeria. The competition encourages filmmakers from the region to capture the essence of their family history through the lens of a smartphone, democratizing the filmmaking process and making it accessible to all. This initiative is proudly supported by renowned Nigerian filmmaker Ike Nnaebue, who is passionate about empowering young creatives and preserving African cultural heritage through storytelling.
“This initiative embarks on a powerful journey to heal the deep-seated wounds left by colonization and to reconnect with the rich heritage that defines us as Africans,” said Ike Nnaebue. “At its core, this competition is about understanding who we were before the colonial era and recognizing that the future of Africa depends on reconnecting with this heritage.”
Ujuaku Akukwe, the co-founder and CEO of the Eastern Nigeria Film and Arts Initiative, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative. “The ‘Re-Imagine Heritage’ competition is not just about filmmaking; it’s about preserving our culture, empowering our youth, and ensuring that our stories are told in our own voices.
The initiative will have a lasting impact on our community, fostering a deep appreciation for our heritage and inspiring future generations to embrace their cultural roots.”
The competition offers significant rewards for participants, with prizes totaling over one million naira, sponsored by Ike Nnaebue. The top three films will receive cash prizes of 500,000 Naira, 300,000 Naira, and 200,000 Naira, respectively. Additionally, the top five filmmakers will benefit from a one-year mentorship with Nnaebue, providing an invaluable opportunity to refine their craft under his expert guidance.
The “Magic of the People” movement is more than just a competition; it is a call to action for all Africans to embrace their heritage and harness the power within, paving the way for a brighter, self-determined future. By participating in this competition, filmmakers will contribute to a cultural renaissance, one that celebrates the diversity and strength of African identity through collective filmmaking, poetry, literature, and other artistic expressions.
As ENIFF prepares to host its 5th edition in Enugu, Nigeria, the “Re-Imagine Heritage: Magic of the People” competition stands as a cornerstone of the festival, embodying its theme of reimagining and redefining narratives. Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or just beginning your journey, this competition offers a platform to shine and make a lasting impact on African cinema.
