Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 NLNG Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts. Entries are invited for The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts, with a focus on Documentary Filmmaking. The Prize celebrates and rewards exceptional Nigerian filmmakers, irrespective of residence, who use the power of documentary film to tell authentic stories that preserve Nigeria’s heritage, challenge perspectives, and inspire change.
Under the 2025 theme, IDENTITY, filmmakers are invited 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.
Eligibility Criteria
- 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.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated imagery, or music will not be accepted.
Submission Process:
- 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 or NIN number by the stipulated date.
- The entries must be character-driven documentaries centred around individuals, communities, ideas and their narratives. The story should revolve around a protagonist’s (singular or collective) experiences or emotions or challenges. This approach fosters deep emotional connections with the audience, making the characters’ journeys relatable and compelling. This should be well researched and thoroughly explored.
- No member of the Advisory Board, Panel of Judges and members of their immediate families can enter their work(s) for the award in the period in which they are serving and two (2) years thereafter. No entries will be accepted from staff of NLNG and their immediate families.
- Only one entry per contestant is permitted each competition year. Entries submitted for this competition will not be accepted in the next competition.
- Entries not submitted by the stated deadline and according to the stated conditions shall not be considered.
- The Prize will be awarded for no other reason that creative excellence.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the NLNG Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts
