Application Procedure

The first cycle of The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts will officially open in February 2026, with a Call for Entries running until April 2026.

Eligibility

• Open to Nigerian citizens aged 18 to 35.
• Only non-fiction (documentary) short films are eligible.
• Entries must have been completed between April 2024 and April 2026.
• Each film must not exceed 20 minutes in length.
• Films can be in English or any Nigerian language (with subtitles where necessary).
• Entries must be original works that have not previously won a national or international award.

Theme: IDENTITY

The inaugural theme, IDENTITY, invites filmmakers to reflect on what defines us individually and collectively. Entries may explore themes such as belonging, transformation, heritage, self-discovery, language, gender, faith, or memory. What matters most is authenticity how each story captures the truth of Nigerian identity through the filmmaker’s unique lens.

Submission Requirements

Each entry must include:
• A Short Artistic Statement describing the story, vision, and creative process behind the film.
• Proof of age and nationality.
• A digital screening link or upload of the film (20 minutes or less).
• Agreement to the Prize’s terms and conditions.
All submissions must be made via the official Prize portal at www.thenigeriaprizes.org.

Judging Process

The judging process will take place in several phases:
1. Longlisting – Eligible entries are reviewed for compliance and artistic merit.
2. Shortlisting – The strongest films are selected based on storytelling, creativity, and impact.
3. Final Judging – The judges evaluate shortlisted films and select the winner.

Public engagement activities will accompany the judging process, providing opportunities for audiences to interact with selected works and celebrate Nigeria’s emerging documentary talent.

The winner will be announced in October 2026 during the NLNG Grand Award Night, alongside winners of The Nigeria Prize for Literature and The Nigeria Prize for Science.