ESI Events unveils ESI Film Festival 2024 shortlist

ESI Events has announced the official nominations and shortlist for the second edition of its 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 globe.

The ESI Film Festival, launched in 2023 at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, returns in 2024 with an expanded event, offering filmmakers a platform to share gaming-related stories that deserve to be told.

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 delve into the positive impact of gaming can and does have, the ESI Film Festival reinforces the notion that video games and esports have the potential to make meaningful differences in people’s lives.

Directed by Rich Bowen at OG Esports

Adrián “Wisper” Céspedes – a kid from Bolivia who ended up defying the odds to make it to Dota’s biggest stage, becoming one of OG Esports’ most important players. This is part of our series ‘Origins’, where we look into the past of our players and learn 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 the greatest Counter-Strike talents in Europe 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 puts emphasis on the joys and struggles behind the scene of the event.      

Directed by Kira Cesnik

In Night City there is chaos in every corner. So when V gets a gig from an unknown caller regarding some deadly cyberware, it’s up to him to save the day.

Directed by Henry Alexander Kelly

Within a fantasy video game, a heroic swordsman and a D-List villain face an existential crisis but must push past it when a greater purpose calls.

Directed by Chew Productions

This documentary chronicles the journey of Launders, the beloved Counter-Strike caster. Growing up in Toronto, Launders is the son of a determined mother of Indian descent, who immigrated to Canada in search of a better life. His early years were spent with his mother in a women’s shelter, where he learned the resilience and strength that will define his future. In his youth, Launders struggled to find his path, working blue-collar jobs and occasionally falling 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 reach for it. This is a story of a mother and son, of friendship, and the power of finding one’s true passion. It highlights the impact of positive influences and the transformative power of believing in oneself.

Directed by MOONTON Games

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

Directed by Jack Carmell

This documentary follows Zara Horton, a former professional windsurfer for Team GB, as she takes a leap of faith into studying esports instead of taking a traditional route. We follow her journey through University esports and how she has used her competitive nature to her advantage.

Directed by Shahzer Kashif

Danny’s gaming obsession turns deadly as he fights for his life in a game he thought he had total control over.

Directed by Bashar Taha Abduljabbar

The story follows Yassin, a skilled programmer who tragically loses his wife, Suzanne, due to medical malpractice. Driven by anger and thirst for justice, Yassin kidnaps the negligent doctor, Khalid, responsible for Susan’s death. Within a virtual reality video game of his own creation, Yassin manipulates Khalid’s perception, confronting him with the truth behind Susan’s death. As the game unfolds, Khalid discovers shocking revelations and faces his fate, leading to a climactic showdown between Yassin and Khalid. “C++” explores themes of justice, loss, and the consequences of blurring the lines between reality and illusion.

With a total prize pool of €6,000 courtesy of not-for-profit partner, ESG Gaming, the festival recognises outstanding contributions across two categories—Best Film and Best Student Film. The breakdown of prizes is as follows:

Best Film

1st Place: €2,500 | 2nd Place: €1,500

Best Student Film

1st Place: €1,500 | 2nd Place: €500

Judging Panel

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

• Hélène Juguet – Managing Director, Ubisoft Film & TV Paris

• Lee Willows – Founder & Executive Chair, 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 & Presenter

About the ESI Film Festival

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

In addition to the ESI Film Festival, ESI Lisbon 2024 will feature:

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 socialising. Bringing together esports, video games, and the creator economy, ESI Lisbon is set to be the largest b2b event & industry festival in this crossover to date. Over 100+ Speakers, 15+ exhibitors and 1000+ attendees. 

ESI Hall of Fame: Honouring the individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth and development of the esports industry.

Play By The Rules: A dedicated legal forum focusing on the critical 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 purchase a ticket. Early bird sale (33% off) ends August 25th.