The Girls’ Voices Initiative, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), in partnership with the French Embassy’s PISCCA Programme, will honour deserving individuals and professionals in the country. This, the group said, is part of efforts to recognise and celebrate the immense contributions of women to the film industry.
In collaboration with other partners, including TS TV Africa, the Congo Embassy, Zenith Bank Plc, Aero Contractors, the non-governmental organisation will host the Women’s International Film Festival Nigeria (WIFFEN) between March 4 and 5 in Abuja.
The Festival Director, Carolyn Seaman, stressed that the maiden edition of the awards, aside from applying the highest ethical and professional standards in selecting the award recipients out of over 3,000 films submission from over 130 countries, will also present a programme curated to female filmmakers and other stakeholders in Nigeria and around the world.
The global recognition of outstanding filmmakers in 16 award categories will include: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Short, Best Animation Short, Best Student Film, Best Child Actress and much more.
“On the 5th of March 2022, the second day of the festival will host a few festival activities and present the WIFFEN Awards Ceremony at the Executive Hall at the Abuja International Conference Centre – a grand celebration of female filmmakers to mark the International Women’s Day and Women’s Month.
“The Women’s International Film Festival Nigeria (WIFFEN) Jury members are appointed by the Festival Committee. The premier edition comprises five Jury members from France, South Africa, Canada, and Nigeria. The Jury has reviewed the films – features, animations, shorts, and documentaries – that are in competition and announce the winners of the WIFFEN Award together with the Festival Committee.
“The goal of the award is to celebrate outstanding women in the film industry and to raise awareness and inspire film standards for female filmmakers. This year’s event will present award trophies to the winners (or their representatives) in 16 award categories,” she said.