The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts 2026

CALL FOR ENTRIES

Entries are invited for The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts, with a focus on Documentary Filmmaking.

The prize celebrates and rewards exceptional Nigerian filmmakers who use the power of documentary film to tell authentic stories that preserve Nigeria’s heritage, challenge perspectives, and inspire change.

Under the 2026 theme, IDENTITY, filmmakers are invited to use the genre of documentary film to explore who we are as individuals, communities, and cultures, and how our identities shape our view of the world.

The winner will receive an award of USD 20,000.00

Eligibility

• The prize is exclusively for Nigerians aged 18–35, irrespective of residence.
• Only completed non-fiction documentary films are eligible.
• Documentary films must have been completed between April 2024 and April 2026. Any entry outside this timeframe submitted for this year’s competition will not be considered.
• Only short documentary films of no more than 20 minutes will be accepted. Entries must be original works.
• Entries created or significantly produced using artificial intelligence (AI) video clips will not be accepted.

Submission Process

• All applicants must submit their entries via The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts through Film Freeway website www.filmfreeway.com. Go to the menu “Browse Festivals” and search for The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts to submit your entry.
• All entries must be accompanied by a Short Artistic Statement of no more than 250 words, explaining your story, vision, and creative process and photocopy of Nigerian passport or National Identity card by the stipulated date.
• No member of the Advisory Board, Panel of Judges and members of their families can enter their work(s) for the awarded in the period in which they are serving and five (5) years thereafter. No entries will be accepted from staff of NLNG and their families.
• Only one entry per contestant(s) is permitted per competition year.
• Entries not submitted by the stated deadline and according to the stated conditions shall not be considered.
• The prize will be awarded to no other reason than creative excellence. Applicants must be willing to participate in the prize activities and public events.

Panel of Judges

A Panel of Judges has been appointed for The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts by the prize’s Advisory Board. The persons appointed as judges have wide experience, peer recognition, good public image and command respect in the art of Documentary Filmmaking.

Judges:

• Dr. Sam Dede – Chairman
• Adeola Aderonke – Member
• George Ugwuja – Member

Advisory Board

• Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, FNAL, FLSN – Chairman
• Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi, FNAL, NNOM – Member
• Professor Ahmed Yerima, FNAL, FSONTA – Member
• Joel Kachi Benson – Technical Adviser to the Board

Important Dates & Information

• Close of Entry: All entries must be in by 23:59hrs Thursday 30th April 2026. Late entries will not be considered.
• Announcement and Public Presentation of Winner(s): The winner(s), if any, will be announced and presented in October 2026.
• For further information: Visit the Prizes’ website, www.thenigeriaprizes.org and NLNG website.