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The official nominations and shortlist have been announced for this year’s ESI Film Festival.
ESI Events have announced the official shortlist of 2024 ESI Film Festival nominations, and they’re full of films fans of gaming and esports will appreciate - from a Cyberpunk 2077 fan film titled ‘Bad Moon Rising’ to a documentary on 
OG Dota 2 player 
Adrian “Wisper” Cespedes Dobles titled ‘Wisper: Bolivia’s 1 in 12 Million’.
The second edition of the annual ESI Film Festival will take place at the MEO Arena as part of ESI Lisbon 2024, and was even expanded to feature gaming-related films. This year’s iteration of the event includes two categories: Best Film and Best Student Film.
Six films have been nominated for the ‘Best Film’ category at this year’s ESI Film Festival, while three were nominated for the ‘Best Student Film’ category. Participants are competing for a total prize pool of €6,000, courtesy of ESI’s not-for-profit partner ESG Gaming, which will be split between each category as follows:
- Best Film: 1st Place: €2,500/2nd Place: €1,500
- Best Student Film: 1st Place: €1,500/2nd Place: €500
Here’s the full list of nominees for Best Film at the 2024 ESI Film Festival:
- Wisper: Bolivia’s 1 in 12 Million
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 Rich Bowen at OG Esports.
- Heroes of Lofoten
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 Johanna Cederstrøm at MistGames.
- Bad Moon Rising | Cyberpunk 2077 Fanfilm
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 Kira Cesnik.
- Chuck & Fern
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 Henry Alexander Kelly.
- Live Legendary: Launders
This documentary chronicles the journey of beloved Counter-Strike caster Mohan "launders" Govindasamy. 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 Chew Productions.
- 24 Hour Making of a CHAMPION: An MLBB Esports Exclusive
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 MOONTON Games.
Here’s the full list of nominees for Best Student Film at the 2024 ESI Film Festival:
- Zara - My Game
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 Jack Carmell.
- Questopia
Danny’s gaming obsession turns deadly as he fights for his life in a game he thought he had total control over. Directed by Shahzer Kashif.
- C++
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. Directed by Bashar Taha Abduljabbar.
The ESI Film Festival is set to take place during ESI Lisbon 2024 this year, on September 24. ESI Lisbon 2024 will run from September 23 to 25. You can buy a discounted ticket for the event at 50% off here.
