The event, hosted at MultiChoice Studios Lagos, brought together aspiring filmmakers, industry mentors, and established creatives for a day dedicated to learning, collaboration, and celebration of African storytelling.
The #MTNFilmChallenge invited creators across Nigeria to produce one-to-three-minute short films capturing everyday life, cultural identity, and the realities of the Nigerian hustle. The initiative attracted entries from across the country, highlighting the growing influence of digital storytelling in shaping modern African cinema.
At the conclusion of the competition, five emerging filmmakers—Precious Aisa, Fitz-Williams Ochie, Ugwueze Jennifer, Anuyimika Ayomide, and Alexander Oshiame—were selected as standout winners. They collectively received cash prizes totaling ₦4.65 million, while two additional finalists were awarded consolation prizes in recognition of their creative efforts.
Beyond the competition, MTN reiterated its broader commitment to strengthening Africa’s creative economy by building platforms that provide visibility, opportunity, and financial support for young talents navigating the digital content landscape.
Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, emphasised the company’s focus on youth empowerment and storytelling innovation, noting that the initiative reflects MTN’s long-term investment in creative industries.
“At MTN, we strongly believe young people are central to Nigeria’s future, and it is always inspiring to see them pushing boundaries through creativity and storytelling. For us, supporting initiatives like the short film category and the #MTNFilmChallenge is about creating platforms where young creatives can be seen, encouraged, and celebrated. We are excited to see these filmmakers taking bold steps and telling authentic stories that reflect the richness of our culture and experiences,” she said.
The programme also featured masterclasses and panel discussions led by established industry professionals, including Uche Jombo, Orire Nwani, Tamara Adeyemi, and Stan Eze. These sessions provided emerging filmmakers with direct access to industry experience, creative mentorship, and practical insights into the evolving entertainment ecosystem.
As the opening highlight of AMVCA Week, Young Filmmakers Day set a collaborative and forward-looking tone for the celebrations, reinforcing the role of the awards not only as a platform for recognition but also as a catalyst for industry growth and creative development.
With the 12th edition of the AMVCA underway, attention now shifts to celebrating excellence across African film and television while continuing to nurture the next generation of storytellers shaping the continent’s creative future.