The fifth edition of the Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival with the theme ‘Reimagine,’ has received the support of the British Council through its Culture Connects programme.
The 2024 edition of the festival which will be held in Enugu from November 27 to November 30, 2024, will see a unique collaboration with the Mathare Youth Festival in Kenya (MYFF), bringing together filmmakers and creatives from Nigeria and Kenya in an unprecedented cultural exchange programme.
The theme of the film festival challenges artists to rethink traditional storytelling by integrating modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create narratives that not only drive social impact but also empower economically.
This year’s festival is set to foster creative exchanges between Nigeria and Kenya, building networks and providing a platform for artists to showcase their work to a global audience. A major highlight of the festival is the special screening of ‘The Man Died’ directed by Awam Amkpa, which will serve as the opening film of the festival.
‘The Man Died’ is a feature film inspired by the ‘Prison Notes’ of Africa’s first Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, and reflects on Soyinka’s harrowing experiences during his imprisonment. This special screening symbolises the power of storytelling to bring about social change.
Speaking during a media interaction, Ujuaku Akukwe, the co-founder and festival director of ENIFF hinted that this year’s festival promises to push the boundaries of creativity. “Our theme: ‘Reimagine,’ is not just about storytelling with technology; it’s about using these tools to explore our history, confront our realities, and imagine a better future for Africa.”
In addition to the screening of ‘The Man Died,’ the festival will feature the screening of 42 films from around the globe, alongside a diverse array of workshops, masterclasses, and industry activities.
