ESI Announces First Esports & Gaming Short Film Festival

Esports Insider (ESI) is thrilled to unveil its inaugural esports and gaming short film festival, set to take place during the renowned ESI London event on Friday, October 20. The prestigious venue, BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, has been confirmed as the backdrop for this exciting film festival, which aims to showcase the transformative power of video games and esports through the medium of film. With a generous cash prize pool of £10,000 provided by non-profit partner ESG Gaming, the festival promises to be a captivating celebration of talent and inspiration.

The ESI Film Festival invites submissions from filmmakers who aspire to shed light on the creative forces behind the screens, highlighting the profound impact video games and esports have had on people’s lives. This groundbreaking event underscores the fact that gaming and esports offer a new form of entertainment, unleashing boundless opportunities for self-expression and fostering creativity among enthusiasts.

This year, the festival’s themes centre around digital inequality, diversity, and mental health, aiming to address critical issues and initiate meaningful discussions within the gaming and esports communities. Filmmakers are encouraged to delve into these themes and illuminate the positive contributions made by video games and esports.

As the deadline for entries approaches on Friday, September 1, anticipation grows for the moment when the winners will be unveiled at the film festival on the evening of October 20. This exclusive event will showcase the top three films, giving audiences a unique opportunity to witness their premiere screenings.

The advisory board for the festival boasts esteemed professionals from the gaming industry, including Gina Jackson OBE, who has been instrumental in addressing the talent crisis in the sector. Collaborating with the advisory board is ESG Gaming, a renowned non-profit partner committed to promoting an open, inclusive, and positive experience for all consumers and stakeholders within the digital entertainment space.

ESG Gaming champions the idea of lived experience, actively engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds across the entertainment sectors to gain valuable insights for research, product development, and evaluation. A comprehensive list of judges, advisory board members, and partners will be announced at a later date, adding to the excitement surrounding the event.

Thanks to the generous support of ESG Gaming, the prize pool for the festival amounts to an impressive £10,000. The breakdown of the prize distribution is as follows: £5,000 for the first-place winner, £3,000 for the second-place winner, and £2,000 for the third-place winner. This substantial reward not only recognises the exceptional talent within the filmmaking community but also serves as a testament to the profound impact of video games and esports on society.

Filmmakers eager to participate in this groundbreaking event can submit their entries through the ESI entry form available on the official website. This is an excellent opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their skills and make their mark on the thriving world of esports and gaming.

As the countdown to ESI London and the first esports and gaming short film festival begins, enthusiasts and industry professionals alike eagerly anticipate the unveiling of a new chapter in the convergence of gaming, film, and culture. Join us as we embark on an extraordinary journey where creativity, innovation, and the power of storytelling unite to celebrate the profound impact of video games and esports on people’s lives.