AFRIFF 2014: Short films most contested award

Productions have also been entered for the contest in other categories, including Best Authentic Nigerian Feature, Best Documentary, Best Student Short and Best Director among others.
Described as ‘a world class showcase that presents a complete immersion into the world of filmmaking with participation from local and international filmmakers and professionals’ as well as other stakeholders, the on-going registration exercise has recorded a request from filmmakers across Africa, including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon, South Africa, Senegal, Mali, Malawi and Uganda.
There are 250 entries and still counting so far received in its first week of registration from Africans in the Diaspora as well as individual filmmakers and film companies in Europe, United Kingdom, United States and Canada.
Upping the standards this year, AFRIFF has introduced new elements to the competition which include an interactive website, scholarship to America for 10 film students from AFRIFF training workshops, as well as interactive engagement with the departments of theatre arts of universities of Calabar and Uyo.
AFRIFF boss, Chioma Ude, explained that through the scholarship initiative among others, the festival plans to change the economic horizon of the African film industry.
“We believe we can use this model for a social revolution that will change the economic horizon of the African film industry by providing technical knowledge and skill to enhance the abundant talents in our film community,” Ude said.
She added that: “This time, beneficiaries of the training will be expected to shoot a short film after their course abroad in fulfilment of their training billed to be entered into the festival’s students’ short category for the subsequent AFRIFF in 2015.”
Rick Nwanso of AFRIFF’s press and public relations unit said more than 90 films will be screened at the event which will also give young people and aspiring filmmakers’ talent development on various fonts, including scriptwriting, cinematography, acting and directing.
With prize monies expected to remain the same as before, AFRIFF 2014 is scheduled to take place at Calabar’s Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort from November 9 to 16.