Adeniyi Ridwan (Nigeria), Nada Abdelkader (Tunisia), and Eystein Young Dingha Jr (Cameroon) were awarded the prestigious Nature, Environment, and Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF) grant at the 13th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lagos.
Each winner will receive a $3,500–$4,500 grant to create an 8-minute documentary short, focusing on nature and conservation. The NEWF initiative, renowned for amplifying African voices in environmental and wildlife filmmaking, was created to showcase Africa’s rich natural heritage. By supporting emerging filmmakers, it provides a platform for telling African stories on topics like climate change, wildlife, and preservation for a global audience.
This year, NEWF collaborated with AFRIFF to host the Producers’ Lab Pitch, a program designed to identify and nurture early-career African storytellers passionate about environmental themes. Selected from over 80 applicants, five finalists from Nigeria, Tunisia, and Cameroon were chosen for a two-day intensive workshop, working alongside industry experts to refine their projects. After a final pitch event, three filmmakers were awarded grants to bring their stories to life.
Ridwan , a filmmaker from Kaduna, Nigeria, was among the winners. His project on the disappearance of crocodiles from the Kaduna River explores themes of wildlife conservation and environmental degradation. Through his documentary, Ridwan aims to investigate the causes behind the crocodiles’ decline, shedding light on Northern Nigeria’s ecosystems and the pressing need for preservation. His win marks a milestone for Kaduna, showcasing the region’s role in African conservation storytelling.
With his team at Ragari Film School in Kaduna, Ridwan will produce the film, highlighting the region’s commitment to environmental awareness. The grant will fund all phases of the project, from research to production, empowering Ridwan’s vision and inspiring future conservationists.
AFRIFF 2024 will be remembered not only for its diverse film lineup but also for empowering new voices like Ridwan’s, reflecting the growing influence of Kaduna’s creative community in African filmmaking and conservation.
