Rollpay And Filmmakers Mart Launch Independence Day Short Film Competition

Rollpay, a payment and payroll platform designed for Africa’s creative economy, has partnered with the Filmmakers Mart Short Film Initiative (FMM) to launch a short film competition ahead of Nigeria’s 2025 Independence Day.

Announced on June 25, the initiative invites Nigerian filmmakers to pitch original short stories under the theme “What It Means to Be Nigerian Today.” The competition is open exclusively to Nigerian creatives, encouraging them to reflect on national identity through storytelling.

Entrants are required to submit a pitch for a 3-minute short film using a single location and no more than three characters. The competition aims to spotlight original, culturally rooted narratives that explore Nigeria’s identity, complexity, and everyday experiences.

According to the organisers, three selected teams will receive a N3 million production grant each to bring their stories to life. The deadline for submissions is July 4, 2025, while the final selection of projects will be announced on October 1, in celebration of Independence Day.

The competition is part of a growing effort to support emerging voices in Nigeria’s film industry through targeted funding and creative development opportunities.