Esther Kavuoa Sammy, a Ugandan filmmaker, has emerged victorious in the Nativ Shorts Creatives Competition 2024, organized by the Amsterdam and Kampala-based platform IAMNATIV.
The competition saw 12 talented filmmakers across Africa compete for the top prize with a captivating vision of “The African Content Creator in 2050.” Contestants presented their ideas through a 60-second film and a series of evocative photographs.
Sammy’s powerful short film, “The Power of Community,” resonated deeply with the judges, ultimately securing her the win. The film delves into the importance of a balanced family structure, showcasing the positive impact of an involved father in child-rearing. This heartwarming portrayal of shared responsibility resonated with the jury, propelling Sammy to the top spot.
“Elated is an understatement,” Sammy shared on her LinkedIn page. “Thank you so much for the great honor and opportunity of being named NATIV’s 2024 winner.” The win grants Sammy $1,500 in prize money to fuel her career development.
Ugochukwu Victory Chimcheta from Nigeria secured the second-place position with “A Tale of Cheta and a Night,” a thrilling 60-second story that cleverly blends family love with a touch of suspense. The film, presented within the confines of a tin can, showcases the lengths a father goes to protect his family, albeit with an unexpected twist. Chimcheta’s unique approach earned him a $1,000 cash prize.
The third-place prize was shared by Nigerians Adekunle Blue and Bern Castle for their respective entries, “The Griot” and “Roots.” Blue’s film explores the vital role of the griot, a traditional African storyteller, in preserving history and guiding the future. Castle’s “Roots” celebrates the unifying power of food, highlighting how shared meals strengthen family bonds and create a sense of belonging. Both Blue and Castle received $250 each to support their creative endeavors.
Beyond the competition itself, IAMNATIV plays a crucial role in connecting African media professionals with international clients. Co-founded by British-Ugandan filmmaker Caroline Kamya, a seasoned award winner, the platform aims to bridge the gap between African talent and the global media landscape.
“The NATIV Shorts Creatives Competition 2024 has once again showcased the incredible wealth of talent within Africa,” stated Kamya. “We are thrilled to support and celebrate these filmmakers and believe they will make significant contributions to the global media scene in the years to come.”
The 2024 competition benefited from the guidance of distinguished mentors: Ian Watts (award-winning cinematographer, UK), Neil Henry (founder and executive producer at Irrie, Netherlands), Ama Dadson (founder and CEO of AkooBooks, Ghana), and Dotun Ololade (award-winning Nigerian filmmaker). Through mentorship and global exposure, the Nativ Shorts competition continues to nurture and empower the next generation of African storytellers.
