IEFTA Filmmakers compete in NEFT VODKA Advertising Challenge

IEFTA publicized the short film competition to alumni, peer organizations and festivals, and supported affiliated filmmakers with their pitches.  The top three proposals received funding of $3000 each to produce their concepts, with the winning project earning a $5000 prize and a role in NEFT’s 2022 Global Marketing campaign.

NEFT Vodka is a For Cause, Ultra-Premium beverage that celebrates art, creativity and storytelling.    

After the success of NEFT Vodka’s NEFTI Competition earlier in 2021, won by IEFTA alumni filmmaker Semagngeta Aychiluhem, NEFT asked us once again to share news of the competition with filmmakers and friends in the festival and development world. The challenge? In three to five minutes, tell a story in which the distinctive NEFT Vodka container plays a starring role and NOT just as product placement.  

Out of 23 serious submissions, 10 were selected to pitch before industry luminaries Bruce Cohen (Oscar-winning producer of American Beauty), former Fox Studios President and producer Ted Gagliano, actor, producer and icon Vivica A. Fox and last year’s NEFTI winner, Semagngeta Aychiluhem, an Ethiopian filmmaker and IEFTA GFE Award recipient in 2020.    

In addition to feedback, criticism, advice and encouragement from the distinguished jury, three finalists received $3,000 each to produce their concept and compete for the grand prize.

Congratulations to finalists Henry Joe Sakala from Zambia for ‘The Dancer’ and to the Bangladesh-based duo of Sardar Zahudil Islam & Abid Shohag, for ‘The Perfect Partner’. Sardar & Abid won the IEFTA prize at the 2021 Dhaka DocLab for their animated short film ‘Field Marshall’.

Recognition & Acknowledgement

IEFTA team-members attended the pitch and presentation sessions, and can attest to the excitement and motivation of the filmmakers who participated and to the imagination and visual talent on display.