After two weeks of screening and pruning, the organisers of the Afrinolly Short Film Competition are proud to announce a shortlist of ten (10) finalists each in the contest’s Short Film and Documentary categories. Ghana’s ‘Black and Gold’ has been shortlisted in the Documentary category. ‘Black and Gold’ is a powerful story of two young entrepreneurs whose struggle to empower startup companies led them to the inception of locally-made beads that promotes empowerment in the minds of people all over the world. To vote visit http://afrinollyshortfilmcompetition.com/mobile/

An international jury comprising creative experts such as documentary filmmaker Femi Odugbemi (head of the jury), Tunde Kelani, Emem Isong, Franklin Leonard, Obi Emelonye, Mahen Bonetti, Tolu Ogunlesi, Nmachi Jidenma, Juliet Yaa Asante, Carol Kathurima, and Bongiwe Selane had the hard task of selecting 20 of the best shorts and documentaries out of over 200 eligible entries.

The successful films from Canada, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, USA, UK, and Zimbabwe are now online for the public to view and vote for their favourite films.

Over 500 entries were received from 14 countries in this initial edition of the Short Film Competition. A pre-selection team was responsible for screening out ineligible submissions like music videos, shorts exceeding the stated time-frame and other such entries that were not in compliance with the Afrinolly Short Film Competition rules.

The 20 finalists – ten each from the short film and documentary categories – were selected on the basis of the narrative’s imagination and originality, the plot’s ability to attract and retain the viewer’s attention, clarity of purpose and an overall professional impression. Other criteria for selection included having adept mastery of technical aspects i.e. sound quality, costume, acting, screenplay, editing, lighting and camera work.

To vote for your favourite short film and documentary, log on to http://afrinollyshortfilmcompetition.com/vote

Voting officially commenced on Friday, February 15 and ends on Friday, March 8. Winners in the Afrinolly Short Film Competition will be announced on Monday, March 11.

A cash prize of $25,000 goes to the overall winners in both categories, while the first and second runners-up will receive $10,000 and $5,000 respectively. Outstanding participants also have the opportunity to sign online distribution and content deals with Afrinolly.

The Afrinolly Short Film Competition is aimed at digitally showcasing African cinema talent and providing a platform to foster the generation and of African content and make same available online. It is supported by MTN, Goethe Institut, Blackberry, IREP and Google as the social media partner.

SHORTLIST OF SUCCESSFUL FINALISTS

SHORT FILM

Dara Ju – USA

Philia – South Africa

Unspoken – UK

Enitan – Nigeria

The Promise – USA

When Fishes Drown – Nigeria

To serve with all our strength – Nigeria

Dance with the Devil – South Africa

419 – USA

Jayson’s Hope – South Africa

DOCUMENTARY

Wheels on the Bus – Zimbabwe

Black and Gold – Ghana

Jagbe People – Nigeria

Artist Hustler – Nigeria

Boli Culture – Nigeria

A short “DOCUMENTARY” – Canada

The Deadwood – Nigeria

A Gateway Into Kano – Nigeria

Hustle On A Mile – Nigeria

Bless-In – Nigeria ]]>