The ESI Film Festival 2024 is back to showcase unique and powerful stories emerging from the world of esports.
Following a successful first ESI Film festival, which was hosted in the prestigious BAFTA 195 Piccadilly in London, the event moves to Portugal as part of the inaugural ESI Lisbon, the worlds largest esports B2B conference and industry event. A celebration of the best creatives our industry has to offer, the ESI Film Festival will be hosted at the MEO Arena, the largest arena in Portugal, to highlight the importance and prestige of the competition.
ESI Events has announced the official nominations and shortlist for this years competiton, which has two categories: Best Film & Best Student Film.
We’ve pulled together links to this years entries, so you can watch some of esports best short films and documentaries ahead of the awards.
Best Film Nominees
Wisper: Bolivia’s 1 in 12 Million
Directed by Rich Bowen at OG Esports. 📺 Watch here.
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.
Our thoughts: An insightful view into the life of an OG esports player. A glimpse of the sacrifices and the challenges some players face when moving to new teams and new countries to pursue their dream of competing at the top levels of esports. Viperio might not have a team house just yet, but when we do, we hope it is as fun as the OG Sunflower House.
Heroes of Lofoten
Directed by Johanna Cederstrøm at MistGames. 📺 Watch here.
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.
Our thoughts: Definitely one of the more unique locations for an esports bootcamp and tournament. I would quite like to see Viperio Counter-Strike compete from one of those fishermen’s cabins. Who needs liquid cooling and an AC unit 8when you have the climate of Loften, Norway to keep you calm, cool and collected during a tournament.
Bad Moon Rising | Cyberpunk 2077 Fanfilm
Directed by Kira Cesnik. 📺 Watch here.
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.
Our thoughts: I have an urge to go and try Cyberpunk 2077. At points I couldn’t tell what was a virtual cutscene and what was reality. While a great film, I do feel bad for the drunk guy who didn’t get into the club and got his ticket stolen. Then again, the party inside wasn’t very lively.
Live Legendary: Launders
Directed by Chew Productions. 📺 Watch here.
In his youth, Launders struggled to find his path, working blue-collar jobs and occasionally falling into trouble. His life took a turn when he joined a “Big Brother” program. 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.
Our thoughts: Skipping school to play StarCraft is not our recommended route to become an esports professional, but I guess those two extra years in high school worked out in Launder’s favour. This short film provides great insight into how people often have very different past before they become the person we know today, and the importance of strong supporting figures in your life. How do I find a Big Brother?
Chuck & Fern
Directed by Henry Alexander Kelly. 📺 Watch here.
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.
Our thoughts: The most colourful submission from this year’s collection. Cant say much more after only watching the 50 second trailer.
24 Hour Making of a CHAMPION: An MLBB Esports Exclusive
Directed by MOONTON Games. 📺 Watch here.
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.
Our thoughts: Another great look behind the scenes at one of esports biggest events to date. It must definitely be tough taking on a home team in front of a live home crowd, but this short film will definitely be watched as people look back on the first ever Esports World Cup. After watching the full 30 minutes, I was left motivated, wanting to see Viperio at the EWC in the future.
Best Student Film Nominees
Zara – My Game
Directed by Jack Carmell. 📺 Watch here.
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.
Our thoughts: As a UK esports team we might be biased, but great to see faces from the UK esports ecosystem involved in this film. A short insight showing how skills are transferable and that competitive individuals can succeed no matter the activity.
Questopia
Directed by Shahzer Kashif. 📺 Watch here.
Danny’s gaming obsession turns deadly as he fights for his life in a game he thought he had total control over.
Our thoughts: I wonder is Sam would consider the Questopia bar as a venue for a future Esports Leaders event? I know if we were to sign a Questopia player, it would be Daniyal or our very own Viperio Boony. For a student produced movie, this one definitely stands out with unique backdrops and environments.
C++
Directed by Bashar Taha Abduljabbar. 📺 Watch here.
A skilled programmer loses his wife due to medical malpractice. Driven by anger, Yassin kidnaps the negligent doctor. Within a virtual reality video game, Yassin manipulates Khalid’s perception, confronting him with the truth. As the game unfolds, Khalid discovers shocking revelations, leading to a climactic showdown.
Disclaimer: Viperio has been in a strategic partnership with Esports Insider since 2023, to advocate the benefits of esports teams attending industry events. Learn more in both our 2023 announcement and following extension.
Viperio are offering the esports community 50% off tickets to ESI Lisbon. You can learn more about what is included over on the ESI Lisbon event page.
