Ecobank-iREP Smartphone Filmmaking Workshop Crowns Winners, Fostering Next Generation of Nigerian Storytellers
In a significant boost to Nigeria's creative landscape, winners have been officially announced for the Ecobank-iREP smartphone filmmaking workshop. This innovative initiative was meticulously designed to equip young, aspiring creatives with practical, hands-on skills in documentary storytelling, utilizing the power of mobile devices to narrate authentic African stories.
Celebrating Outstanding Talent and Achievement
From a competitive shortlist of ten compelling films, three exceptional entries were recognized and awarded substantial cash prizes. The prestigious star prize of ₦1 million was awarded to the collaborative team of Lady Hephzibah and Dera Chuks for their impactful film titled Long Lived.
Securing the second-place position, Imoh David received ₦750,000 for his work More Than a Bank. The third-place award of ₦500,000 was presented to Ikeme Ucheckukwu Sixtus for his film Threads of Identity. The remaining seven shortlisted participants were also honored with consolation prizes for their commendable efforts and creativity.
Guidance from Industry Veterans and Ecobank's Commitment
Veteran filmmaker and Head of the workshop faculty, Tunde Kelani, offered profound advice to the participants. He emphasized, "Let passion be the foundation for your progress in life. You can have the greatest equipment but never forget that you need to develop passion."
Renowned writer, filmmaker, and television producer Femi Odugbemi provided further insight into the workshop's rigorous selection process. He revealed that the ten shortlisted creatives were chosen from an impressive pool of over 120 participants, all aged between 16 and 25 years. Their challenge was to produce a technically proficient and creatively engaging video, lasting 60 to 90 seconds, with a specific focus on Ecobank.
Odugbemi also announced ongoing support, stating, "We will continue to offer assistance and consultancy to this shortlist of 10. If you need any support or advisory, you can contact us for free."
Omoboye Odu, Head of SMEs, Partnerships, and Collaboration at Ecobank, articulated the bank's deliberate strategy. "We're intentional about projecting culture. We're intentional about projecting creatives into film, the arts, fashion, and music. So, you understood the message, you understood what everybody represents. Well done." She further underscored the critical importance of promoting gender inclusion within the creative industry.
Echoing this sentiment, Austen Osokpor, Head of Corporate Communications at Ecobank, extended congratulations to the winners for their role in promoting African culture and the arts through their cinematic works.
A Milestone Festival and Transformative Workshop
This workshop was a key pre-festival capacity-building initiative of the iREP 2026 International Documentary Film Festival. The festival itself, themed Transformation, commemorated a landmark 15 years since the founding of iREP, recognized as one of Africa's most influential platforms dedicated to documentary films.
Convened by the Foundation for the Promotion of Documentary Films in Africa (FPDFA), iREP has consistently been at the forefront of advancing documentary storytelling, fostering critical discourse, and driving capacity development across the continent. The festival's diverse program—featuring conversations, screenings, workshops, and training sessions—highlighted the pivotal role documentary films play in shaping global discourse and preserving cultural memory.
The three-day Mobile Phone Filmmaking Workshop provided intensive, hands-on mentorship facilitated by internationally acclaimed and award-winning filmmakers. Participants were immersed in learning how to:
- Conceptualize compelling documentary narratives.
- Shoot high-quality footage using mobile technology.
- Edit their films to create impactful stories.
The curriculum placed a strong emphasis on mastering storytelling techniques, visual language, and adhering to ethical documentary practices.
A New Curatorial Direction for iREP
Marking a historic shift, the 2026 iREP festival adopted a fully-curated programming model for the first time, moving away from its traditional open submissions process. This strategic decision was implemented to sharpen the festival's storytelling focus and enhance the overall artistic coherence of the selected film lineup. Early indications suggest this transformational approach has successfully elevated the quality and impact of the presented works, setting a new standard for documentary curation in Africa.
