i-REPRESENT International Documentary Film Festival (iREP) has announced three productions regarded as the best at the iREP-Ecobank Smartphone Documentary Filmmaking Workshop and Competition. And the creators and producers of the works, adjudged as winners, have been rewarded by the organizers of the event – iREP and Ecobank Plc.

Announcing the winners at a prize presentation event recently, iREP co-founder and executive director, Femi Odugbemi said three outstanding entries were recognised from a shortlist of 10 films, selected from over 120 participants and 37 submissions. Their short film, a smartphone task, was to spotlight Africa’s growing arts through the lens of Ecobank.

The top prize of ₦1 million was awarded to Lady Hephzibah and Dera Chuks for their film ‘Long Lived.’ Imoh David secured second place with ‘More Than a Bank,’ earning ₦750,000, while Ikeme Ucheckukwu Sixtus came third with ‘Threads of Identity,’ ‘The African Truth, winning ₦500,000.

Reacting to their win, the first-prize winners expressed their appreciation to the organisers and sponsors.

“We are deeply grateful for giving us the platform to showcase our talent and the impact of our training. This opportunity means so much to us, not just for the exposure, but for the belief in what we are building.

“Winning the 1 million prize is a huge milestone, and we do not take it for granted. It’s a reminder that passion, preparation, and purpose truly align when opportunity meets readiness.

“Creating this short film together was a powerful experience, and this win reflects the strength of our partnership. Collaboration is powerful because it turns individual ideas into a shared vision, and shared visions always go further,” the duo said.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, renowned filmmaker and head of Faculty for the workshop, Tunde Kelani, charged participants and winners to embrace their roles as storytellers and agents of change.

“Today, you are all here to change the world. Congratulations to all of you, for not just dancing, but completing your own process… so congratulations.”

He revealed that while the training had equipped them with the tools to begin their careers, passion remains essential.

“You have realised, you have received everything you have to start with. But one important thing is your passion. The people that you see, and the ones that are with you, are going to be the rock in terms of the foundation for your progressive life.

“You can have the best equipment, you can have everything, but never forget that you need to develop passion. Passion will help you. Keep your imagination. You keep going, from one step, you discover something else,” he said.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the head of SMEs, Partnerships and Collaboration at Ecobank, Omoboye Odu, emphasised the bank’s commitment to supporting creatives.

“We’re intentional about projecting culture. We’re intentional about projecting creatives into film, the arts, fashion, and music. So, you understood the message, you understood what everybody represents. Well done, well done, well done,” she said.

Also present at the event was the head of Corporate Communications at Ecobank, Austen Osokpor, who congratulated the participants and commended the initiative for spotlighting African culture and the arts.

Commenting on a Facebook post, Odugbemi said: “Over 130 participants joined the workshop, with eligible attendees (aged 18–25) going on to create and submit 60–90 second films shot and edited entirely on smartphones.

“Entries were judged on creativity, technical quality, engagement, and storytelling, with a focus on Ecobank as a pan-African institution. From a shortlist of ten films, three outstanding winners were announced at the ceremony, attended by the iREP Directorate, Lead Trainer Tunde Kelani, and distinguished guests.”

He congratulated the winners and thanked everyone who made this initiative a success.

The iREP-Ecobank Smartphone Filmmaking Workshop and Competition, held at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre in Lagos was part of the 15th anniversary edition of the iREP International Documentary Film Festival which celebrated creativity, storytelling, and the growing influence of mobile filmmaking among emerging talents.