NLNG introduces The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts with ‘Identity’ as inaugural theme
* Sam Dede, Aderonke Adeola, George Oguja named inaugural judges
By Anote Ajeluorou
EVER resourceful in pushing the boundary of the creative sector with an enduring reward system, The Nigeria Prizes, sponsored by gas company, NLNG, has added another prize to its bouquet with the introduction of The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts for Documentary Filmmaking, as it withdrew one. The new prize takes the place of The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism that ran for a few years with some hiccups as there could be not be winners in some years, with entries for the prize either being too paltry or substandard. Indeed, the criticism prize went away and made way for the new creative arts prize for young documentary filmmakers under 35 to show their filmmaking excellence. And in the maiden edition, it’s fitting that the theme of ‘Identity’ should be the opener for the prize, as the country grapples with its place in the scheme of global reckoning. The prize is open to Nigerians residing in any part of the world, but who must tell stories that resonate with their Nigerian roots.
Technical Adviser to the new prize and award-winning documentary filmmaker, Mr. Joel Kachi Benson, emphasised its focus on identity theme when he said, “One important detail I would like to emphasise is the theme for this inaugural edition: Identity. This year’s theme invites Nigerian filmmakers to use the genre of documentary film to explore who we are — as individuals, communities, and cultures — and how that shapes the way we see the world. The prize is interested in stories that reflect on belonging, transformation, heritage, and self-definition — whether personal, social, political, artistic or spiritual. Your film might examine how identity is formed, questioned, celebrated, or even lost. What matters most is authenticity — how your documentary captures the truth of what identity means in your chosen context.
“There’s no single interpretation we’re looking for. Identity can be as intimate as a personal portrait or as expansive as a collective story. It could be expressed through place, language, faith, memory, gender, or something entirely different. What matters most is authenticity — how your documentary captures the truth of what identity means in your chosen context.”
Mr. Benson also commended The Nigeria Prizes’ sponsor, NLNG, when he aid, “This is probably the biggest thing that has happened in our space. In Nigeria, the challenge is acknowledgement and recognition of what we do. It’s the biggest thing to happen to us. We make docu-films like mirrors (of who we are); we hope it will catalyse something. I’m hoping this will catalyse some kids out there to make documentary, not that anyone should make documentary because they want to win prizes. The prize is about finding your voice. Docu-films should 20 minutes long and under. It’s an incredible opportunity for sure. We are really thankful for this.”
Technical Adviser to The Nigeria prize for Creative Arts, Mr. Joel Kachi Benson (left); Manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, NLNG, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, General Manager External Relations and Sustainable Development, NLNG, Dr. Sophia Horsfall at the press briefing… in Lagos
Mr. Benson hoped that the entries for the prize will be such that have lives after the prize, so the films could also go to other festivals, noting that it’s for filmmakers under 35 and designed to empower young people as part of NLNG’s commitment to young people. Benson confessed his love for documentary films and hoped young Nigerians would find the medium just as fascinating, noting the rigorous process that would be deployed for judging entries, “I really love documentaries and I’m really tough on how I view docs. I can’t stand a bad film. I hope it challenges young filmmakers to think outside the box.”
He named Dr. Sam Dede as jury chair) alongside an award-winning film director, art historian, scriptwriter, and producer, Adeola Aderonke, whose documentary film, Awani, won the UNESCO Prize at the African Film Festival 2019 and renowned film producer, George Ugwuja, who has delivered high-quality work for international organisations, including Haier Biomedical, the United Nations and Plan International.
The Technical Adviser stressed the importance of documentary films and why they matter in any social-cultural and political space, noting, “Documentary (film) drives social change, (make) social impact. How can you use film to inspire, educate and drive social change? That’s where the true value lies. As a filmmaker, I can confidently say that this is a defining moment. I call on all filmmakers to seize this opportunity. Participate. Create. Tell your story. Show the world who we are. I look forward to an incredible inaugural cycle.”
Mr. Benson said the prize cycle will officially commence in February 2026, with a call for entries running until April 2026, noting that the three-month window will provide ample time for submission of short documentary films completed between April 2024 and April 2026. He also noted that this inaugural edition of the prize is open to all short films made, and/or completed between April 2024 and April 2026, adding, “This prize is only open to NON-FICTION FILMS that are 20 minutes and under.”
Entries will be evaluated against globally recognised standards, aligning with the benchmarks used by leading international film festivals. The judging criteria will focus on storytelling craft, originality, production quality, creativity, and overall impact. All relevant details, including submission links, criteria, and updates, will be available on the official Prize website: www.thenigeriaprizes.org.
While waxing philosophical, General Manager External Relations and Sustainable Development, NLNG, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, said, “At the heart of every great civilisation lies a story; a story that defines who they are, what they value, and how they see the world. Storytelling goes far beyond being a form of art. It is humanity’s oldest form of memory. It is how we preserve our history, our culture, our love, our resilience, and our dreams. For us at NLNG, storytelling sits at the centre of everything we do. It shapes how we express our purpose “providing energy to improve lives sustainably”. Every time we deliver energy to light homes, power industries, or enable education and healthcare, we are not just exporting LNG; we are telling a Nigerian story. It is one of innovation, resilience, and progress.
“That is why today’s conversation on The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts is such a defining moment for us. On the 10th of October 2025, our Managing Director, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, announced the emergence of this new category of The Nigeria Prizes, with a focus on Documentary Film, open to Nigerians aged 18 to 35. In his words, and I quote: ‘Film has the power to engage young people in shaping the future with our culture, our history, and our present. NLNG’s brand promise is to inspire a sustainable future. And this means reflecting on the world around us and acting to create positive change.’ The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts was designed to complement our existing prizes in Literature and Science by rewarding excellence in cultural and artistic contributions.”
She said the rationale for establishing the new prize though simple is profound, adding, “to recognise, celebrate, and reward outstanding Nigerian creatives, to provide visibility and support for both contemporary and traditional art forms, to strengthen national and international recognition of Nigerian culture and to support the growth of Nigeria’s creative sector, one of the most dynamic sectors of our economy today. This prize is, in many ways, a response to a generational call. It is a call to young Nigerians to tell our stories. Through the lens of documentary film, we will see Nigeria as Nigerians see it: in all its vibrancy, complexity, and creativity. We believe this Prize will inspire a new generation of filmmakers who will inform, challenge, and connect us more deeply to who we are as a people. It holds the potential to become Africa’s leading platform for creative arts, fostering a new wave of cultural thought leaders and building a rich archive of prize-winning works that will stand as part of Nigeria’s enduring cultural legacy.
“In a world where stories shape perception, this Prize affirms that Nigeria’s narrative should be told by young, bold, imaginative Nigerians. Through them, we can reshape how the world sees us and how we see ourselves. Storytelling can build a nation, I believe strongly. We have seen this happen across the world: how one film, one book, one creative expression can transform perceptions, spark conversations, and awaken pride. We believe it can happen here too in Nigeria.”
Beyond giving young people opportunity to tell stories, Dr. Horsfall said, “We put a premium on excellence, and we know that Nigeria has that excellence and this is an opportunity to show that excellence. An opportunity for young people to be excellent in what young people do. You can link it to nation building,” by giving young people opportunity to show their skills in non-fiction filmmaking. She also said the new prize became possible because “resources to do so meant shrinking the bouquet of prizes and bring in a new one and rest the prize for literary criticism. A prize that fulfilled its objective.”
Chairperson of the Advisory Board of The Nigerian Prize for Literature that will also administer the new prize, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo said, “The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts, with a focus on Documentary Filmmaking, stands as a reaffirmation of our collective belief that excellence knows no boundary. It can be written, spoken, or filmed. This new Prize challenges our young documentary filmmakers to explore memory, interrogate experience, and translate reality into meaning. Like its sister Prizes in Literature and Science, The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts will be guided by the same enduring principles of Excellence and Integrity, values that have defined the character of the Prizes for over two decades.”
Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo expressed delight “to have Joel on board as Technical Adviser. His experience, creativity, and international acclaim will no doubt enrich the Prize process and inspire a generation of Nigerian filmmakers to dream even bigger. The Advisory Board remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold the highest standards of excellence and integrity. These values will continue to guide the judging process and ensure that The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts becomes a beacon of trust, transparency, and distinction.”
She also reeled the filmography of the technical Adviser, Benson. Born in Aba, Abia State, Benson is a visionary filmmaker and creative director whose career has broken boundaries and made history. His debut film, In Bakassi (2018), was Nigeria’s first virtual reality documentary, immersing audiences in the emotional journey of an orphaned boy living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in a Maiduguri Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camp. He went on to direct Daughters of Chibok (2019), a documentary about the mothers of abducted schoolgirls, which premiered at the Venice International Film Festival and won the Venice Lion for Best Virtual Reality (VR) Story, the first ever awarded to an African filmmaker. In June 2025, he achieved another historic feat with his Disney Original Documentary, Madu, which won the Outstanding Arts & Culture Documentary at the 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards in New York, the first Emmy ever awarded to a Nigerian documentary. His works have featured at the Berlin Film Festival, Hot Docs, Cannes XR, the Phi Centre, and the British Film Institute, among many others.
