2027 Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts

Scholarship Details

The 2027 Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), is inviting young Nigerian filmmakers to participate in its documentary filmmaking competition.

This edition challenges filmmakers to explore the theme “Nigeria Unseen” by telling compelling stories about people, communities, places and experiences that deserve greater attention.

The competition is open to Nigerian filmmakers aged 18–35, regardless of where they live. The winning entry will compete for a US$20,000 cash prize.

If you are a filmmaker with a documentary that reveals a different side of Nigeria, this is an opportunity to showcase your creativity on a national platform.

About the Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts 2027

The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts was established by Nigeria LNG Limited to recognise and reward young Nigerian filmmakers who use documentary storytelling to explore the country’s identity, culture and collective experiences.

The 2027 edition focuses on documentary filmmaking under the theme:

Nigeria Unseen

The theme encourages filmmakers to look beyond familiar narratives and introduce audiences to people and stories they may not ordinarily encounter.

Participants are encouraged to tell stories that challenge perspectives, reveal overlooked experiences and help audiences see Nigeria differently.

The competition is part of The Nigeria Prizes, which also includes the Nigeria Prize for Literature and the Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation.

Benefits of the competition

The major reward for the 2027 competition includes:

• Cash Prize: US$20,000 for the winning entry.
• National Recognition: An opportunity to showcase your documentary filmmaking talent through a recognised Nigerian creative arts prize.
• Professional Exposure: A platform to present your work and storytelling abilities to a wider audience.
• Creative Development: An opportunity to contribute to conversations about Nigeria’s people, culture, identity and experiences.

The competition is sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG).

Theme: Nigeria Unseen

The central theme for the 2027 edition is Nigeria Unseen.

Filmmakers are expected to look beyond the familiar and tell stories that introduce audiences to people, places, experiences and perspectives that deserve recognition.

Your documentary should help viewers see Nigeria from a different perspective.

The organisers encourage filmmakers to ask themselves:

• What stories about Nigeria are not receiving enough attention?
• Who are the people whose experiences deserve to be heard?
• What communities, cultures or realities can help audiences understand Nigeria differently?
• What can your camera reveal that people may not ordinarily see?

The objective is to use documentary filmmaking to tell meaningful stories that challenge existing perceptions.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the 2027 Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Nationality: The competition is exclusively open to Nigerian filmmakers.
• Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Residence: Nigerians living in Nigeria and those residing abroad are eligible.
• Film Category: Only documentary films are accepted.
• Originality: Submitted films must be original works.
• Theme: The documentary must address the 2027 theme, Nigeria Unseen.

The competition is not limited to filmmakers living in Nigeria. Eligible Nigerians in the diaspora can also participate.

Documentary Film Requirements

Applicants must ensure their documentaries meet the following technical and production requirements:

1. Maximum Running Time: Each documentary must be 20 minutes or less.
2. Production Period: Films must have been completed between January 2026 and April 2027.
3. Film Type: Only completed documentary films are accepted.
4. Theme: The documentary must explore the theme Nigeria Unseen.
5. Original Work: Entries must be original productions.

Applicants should ensure their completed films meet the specified production period and running-time requirements before submitting.

Application Timeline

The important dates for the 2027 competition are:

The deadline falls on Friday, 30 April 2027, at 23:59 West Africa Time (WAT).

Applications will be submitted through FilmFreeway.

How to Apply for the Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts 2027

Interested Nigerian filmmakers can apply online through the designated FilmFreeway submission portal.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Nigeria Prizes website.
2. Read the complete theme description, eligibility requirements and terms and conditions for the 2027 competition.
3. Prepare your completed documentary, ensuring it meets the 20-minute maximum running time and production-period requirements.
4. Create or log in to your FilmFreeway account.
5. Access the official competition submission portal when it opens on 1 February 2027.
6. Complete the required project and filmmaker information.
7. Upload your documentary or provide the required viewing link, following the submission instructions.
8. Review your submission and complete the application before the deadline.

Important: The official announcement directs applicants to FilmFreeway, but the specific 2027 competition listing is expected to become accessible when submissions open. Use the official Nigeria Prizes website to locate the correct submission link rather than relying on unofficial FilmFreeway listings.

Important Links

• Official Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts: https://www.thenigeriaprizes.org/prizes/the-nigeria-prize-for-creative-arts
• The Nigeria Prizes Website: https://www.thenigeriaprizes.org/
• FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/
• NLNG Information: https://www.nlng.com/

For the full theme description, eligibility requirements and competition terms, consult the official NLNG and Nigeria Prizes information before submitting.

Application Deadline

The application portal opens on 1 February 2027.

The final submission deadline is 30 April 2027 at 23:59 WAT.

Applicants should prepare their documentaries ahead of the opening date to allow enough time to complete the submission process.

Short Conclusion

The 2027 Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts is an exciting opportunity for young Nigerian filmmakers to tell meaningful stories about the country and compete for a US$20,000 prize.

If you are between 18 and 35 years old and have a completed documentary that reveals an overlooked part of Nigeria, consider preparing it for this competition.

Look beyond the familiar, tell a story that matters and show the world the Nigeria that remains unseen.