Take 5! with Adze Ugah -

by Rahab Kimani

on May 21, 2025

Read Time:2 Minute, 24 Second

Tuesday 20th May 2025

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Rushlake Media is proud to announce that over the last few days, The Legend of The Vagabond Queen of Lagos has received multiple prestigious accolades across leading film festivals and award ceremonies in 2025.

At the 15th Edition of the Eko International Film Festival, the film was honoured with:
🏆 Best Feature Film
🇳🇬 Best Nigerian Feature Film
🎭 Best Actress – Temi Ami-Williams
At the recently concluded Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) on May 10, Leo Purman was awarded Best Cinematography for his outstanding visual storytelling.
Additionally, at the Aswan International Women Film Festival, the film’s director was recognised with the Bahega Hafez Award for Best Director, further highlighting the creative excellence behind the project.
These recognitions are a testament to the dedication, talent, and vision of everyone involved in the making of this film. A huge congratulations to the Agbajowo Collective and the entire team.

2025 TALENTS DURBAN LINEUP SHOWCASES AFRICA’S BOLDEST NEW VOICES IN FILM.

The Durban FilmMart Institute is proud to unveil the 2025 lineup for Talents Durban—an influential talent development platform presented in partnership with Berlinale Talents. These emerging talents will gather in Durban from 18–21 July 2025 for an intensive industry programme as part of the 16th Durban FilmMart.

GRANTS AND SUBMISSIONS

Talent Connect 2025 is open for submission of film projects.
This is an opportunity for filmmakers with short film projects in progress to pitch for an opportunity to represent with an all expense paid trip to pitch your project at the next edition of Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival’s Talent Connexion in France.

Application Deadline: 15 June 2025

APPLY HERE

The Ateker International Film Festival (AIFF) 2025
The Ateker International Film Festival (AIFF) 2025 is now open for submissions. Films from Turkana and the other Ateker communities are highly encouraged for entry. Application Deadline: June 8, 2025

APPLY HERE

CANEX Shorts

Applications are now open for CANEX Shorts The competition is designed to recognize and celebrate the talents of filmmakers from across Africa and the Diaspora. Send in your 5-minute film and have the opportunity to win in one of these three categories: Fiction, Documentary or Animation.
Application Deadline: 30th June 2025

APPLY HERE

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Synopsis: Kienyeji tells the story of two university students, Cynthia and Charlie, from conflicting Kenyan communities who fall in love and plan to marry despite their families’ opposition. The narrative explores tribalism and cultural differences as their attempts to unite face challenges, including a failed ruracio due to unpaid dowry, food poisoning at a second attempt, and ultimately, divorce pressured by Charlie’s father. Amid exams, financial struggles, and personal setbacks, their journey unfolds with Ohangla and Mugithi music, raising questions about love and tradition. Will love triumph, or will societal pressures prevail?