ESI Events announces shortlist ESI Film Festival 2024

ESI Events has announced the official nominations and shortlist for the second edition of the annual ESI Film Festival, taking place as part of the ESI Lisbon 2024 event at the MEO Arena.

This year’s festival celebrates the power of storytelling within the gaming and esports communities, highlighting the talent and creativity of filmmakers from around the world.

Launched in 2023 at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, the ESI Film Festival will return in 2024 with an expanded event, providing filmmakers with a platform to share games stories worth telling.

This year’s festival not only adds a second category, but also continues to bridge the gap between the worlds of film, gaming, and esports. By showcasing films that explore the positive impact gaming can and does have, the ESI Film Festival reinforces the idea that video games and esports have the potential to make meaningful differences in people’s lives.

• Exploring the Portuguese esports ecosystem
• Changing Seasons: Lessons from the Esports Winter
• A Look at Lisbon: ESG Gaming — Breaking the Stigma of Esports and Loneliness

Nominees for Best Film:

Directed by Rich Bowen at OG Esports

Adrián “Wisper” Céspedes – a kid from Bolivia who eventually defied the odds to reach Dota’s biggest stage and become one of OG Esports’ most important players. This is part of our ‘Origins’ series, where we look back at our players’ pasts and discover what made them the people they are today.

Directed by Johanna Cederstrøm at MistGames

Heroes of Lofoten: A Counter-Strike experience above the Arctic Circle. Last year, MistGames flew some of Europe’s biggest Counter-Strike talents to one of the most beautiful places in the world, Lofoten. Our goal was to combine the entertainment of esports with technology and travel. The documentary focuses on the joys and struggles behind the scenes of the event.

Directed by Kira Cesnik

In Night City, chaos reigns around every corner. So when V gets a job from an unknown caller about deadly cyberware, it’s up to him to save the day.

Directed by Henry Alexander Kelly

In a fantasy video game, a heroic swordsman and a D-list villain face an existential crisis, but must overcome it when a higher purpose calls them.

Directed by Chew Productions

This documentary chronicles the journey of beloved Counter-Strike caster Launders. Raised in Toronto, Launders is the son of a determined mother of Indian descent who immigrated to Canada in search of a better life. He spent his early years with his mother in a women’s shelter, where he learned the resilience and strength that would shape his future. Growing up, Launders struggled to find his path, working blue-collar jobs and occasionally getting into trouble. His life took a pivotal turn when he joined a “Big Brother” program and was paired with a mentor who saw his potential and encouraged him to pursue it. This is the story of a mother and son, of friendship, and the power of finding your true passion. It highlights the impact of positive influences and the transformative power of believing in yourself.

Directed by MOONTON Games

MLBB Esports presents an exclusive look at Selangor Red Giants’ historic triumph at the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid Season Cup 2024. Go behind the scenes of Malaysia’s biggest achievement in the MLBB.

Nominees for best student film:

Directed by Jack Carmell

This documentary follows Zara Horton, a former professional windsurfer for Team GB, as she takes the plunge and studies esports instead of going the traditional route. We follow her journey through esports at university and how she has used her competitive nature to her advantage.

Directed by Shahzer Kashif

Danny’s gaming addiction takes a deadly turn as he fights for his life in a game he thought he had complete control over.

Directed by Bashar Taha Abduljabbar

The story follows Yassin, a skilled programmer who tragically loses his wife, Suzanne, to medical malpractice. Driven by rage and a thirst for justice, Yassin kidnaps the negligent doctor, Khalid, responsible for Susan’s death. Using a virtual reality video game of his own making, Yassin manipulates Khalid’s perception and confronts him with the truth behind Susan’s death. As the game unfolds, Khalid makes shocking revelations and is confronted with his fate, culminating in a climactic confrontation between Yassin and Khalid. “C++” explores themes of justice, loss, and the consequences of blurring the lines between reality and illusion.

Prize Pool & Categories

With a total prize pool of €6,000, provided by non-profit partner ESG Gaming, the festival recognizes outstanding contributions in two categories: Best Film and Best Student Film. The distribution of the prizes is as follows:

Best film

1st place: €2,500 | 2nd place: €1,500

Best Student Film

1st place: €1,500 | 2nd place: €500

Jury panel

The nominees are judged by a panel of industry experts, including:

• Hprincess Jugget – General Manager, Ubisoft Film & TV Paris

• Lee Willows – Founder and Executive Chairman, ESG Gaming

• Stuart Burnside – Video Game Certification Manager – British Film Institute

• Karina Ziminaite – CEO – Z1MT Creative

• Alex Weber – Award-winning filmmaker

• Rui Pedro da Tendinha – Film critic and presenter

About the ESI Film Festival

Building on the success of its debut, ESI Film Festival is dedicated to highlighting the unique and compelling stories within the esports and gaming industries. In 2024, the festival will travel to Lisbon with a scaled-up event at the MEO Arena, offering filmmakers even more opportunities to showcase their work. The festival encourages original short films on themes, with the aim of fostering collaboration between the film, gaming and esports sectors. This year’s event promises to be a major highlight of ESI Lisbon as it continues to shine a light on the stories that define the gaming community.

Visit us at ESI Lisbon 2024

In addition to the ESI Film Festival, ESI Lisbon 2024 offers the following:

ESI Lisbon: The new flagship ESI event will take place alongside the SBC Summit. A true combination of all the most prominent parts of our evolving industry, ESI Lisbon will feature the largest exhibition space yet, two stages and the best in networking and professional socializing. Bringing together esports, video games and the creator economy, ESI Lisbon is set to become the largest b2b event and industry festival in this crossover yet. 100+ speakers, 15+ exhibitors and 1000+ attendees.

ESI Hall of Fame: In honor of those who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the esports industry.

Play by the rules: A dedicated legal forum focusing on the crucial legal aspects of esports, including player contracts, intellectual property and governance.

Esports Leaders: An exclusive, invitation-only event for C-suite executives and founders to engage in high-level discussions and networking.

Click here to buy a ticket. Early bird sale (33% discount) ends on August 25.