Ecobank-iREP Smart Phone Filmmaking contest produces winners
By Godwin Okondo
WINNERS of Ecobank-iREP Smartphone Filmmaking Workshop 2026 were on Thursday, April 9, 2026 announced at a prize-giving ceremony held at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, bringing to a close weeks of training, mentorship, and creative competition among young filmmakers. The workshop, organised by iRepresent International Documentary Film Festival in collaboration with Ecobank, was part of activities marking the 15th anniversary of the docu-film festival in Lagos. It had as theme ‘Transformation.’
At the ceremony, Lady Hephzibah and Emmanuel Chidera Chuks emerged winners of the top prize of ₦1,000,000 for their documentary entry titled Long Lived, while Imo David clinched the second prize of ₦750,000 with his work, More than a Bank while Ikeme Uchechukwu Sixtus secured the third prize of ₦500,000 with Thread of Identity, following a competitive selection process that evaluated films produced during the workshop. Other shortlisted contest participants in the contest include Princess Anwuli Okalu, Muritala Oluwafemi, Harrison Avrukpere, Obasi Victory, Joe-Eze-Oluchi, Sarah Ibironke Arowosola and Adio James Oluwapelumi.
The training programme, which held from March 16 to 18 at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Victoria Island, attracted over 100 participants aged between 18 and 25 from across Nigeria, underscoring the growing interest in mobile-driven storytelling and documentary filmmaking.
Facilitated by renowned filmmakers including Tunde Kelani and Joel Kachi Benson, the workshop offered intensive, hands-on sessions covering the full documentary production cycle. Participants were trained in research and story development, visual composition using smartphones, interview techniques and ethics, as well as editing fundamentals.
In addition to the core training, participants also engaged in mentorship sessions with industry professionals such as Kunle Afolayan, Sam Dede, who provided the trainees with practical insights into the evolving landscape of filmmaking in Nigeria and beyond.
All participants received certificates of participation, while selected outstanding works were recognised with cash prizes, highlighting the programme’s dual focus on capacity building and talent discovery.
The Ecobank-iREP Smartphone Filmmaking Workshop is designed to democratize filmmaking by removing traditional technical barriers and empowering young Africans to tell authentic stories using accessible mobile technology. The initiative also reflects a broader effort to nurture a new generation of documentary storytellers capable of shaping narratives and contributing to the growth of Africa’s creative industry.
Stakeholders at the event noted that the increasing use of smartphones in filmmaking continues to open up opportunities for aspiring creatives, making storytelling more inclusive and reflective of diverse African experiences.
Lady Hephzibah (middle) clutching her plaque and being applauded by iREP organisers and Ecobank officials… in Lagos
