Nigerian Short Film ‘Vote True’ Based On 2023 Elections Wins at Cannes 

Vote True, a three-minute short film released before Nigeria’s 2023 elections, won a prize at the 2023 Cannes World Film Festival, adding weight to the perception that 2023 is the year of Nigeria’s emergence on the global cultural stage.

At one of the most prominent film festivals globally, Toyin Elebe, the founder of Telefectiv Productions, which specializes in documentaries, TV shows, and feature films, took home the Best Voiceover prize.

Vote True, a gripping political drama helmed by British director David Symmon and premiering in January 2023, inspires Nigerians to use their democratic power to alter the country’s constitution.

Elebe describes the stirring promise of the country upon independence and the bitter unfulfillment that has followed in a voice deep like a sage’s and cadenced to compel his listeners.

A powerful montage of moments from Nigeria’s 1960 Independence Day, a moment of hope and optimism for the fledgling country, opens the movie. Nigerians’ contagious energy and brilliant colors are captured by Elebe’s camera as they celebrate their newfound freedom.

However, these pictures are soon contrasted with scenes depicting the nation’s present problems, such as poverty, insecurity, and corruption.

Elebe demonstrates through these people’s stories that change is possible and that each of us has a responsibility to contribute to creating a better future for Nigeria.

The middle-aged business executive and film producer is optimistic but resolute, as he is passionate about Nigeria and believes it has the potential to become a first-world country. In order to rebrand the continent and realize its full potential, he wants to elevate African voices and storytelling on a global scale.

Nigerian history was made when Elebe won the voice-over competition at the Cannes World Film Festival (CWFF). Since Elebe is the first Nigerian to receive this esteemed award, it is a testament to her talent and dedication.

One of Nigeria’s top creative agencies, X3M Ideas Group, also took home the first-ever Cannes Lions International Festival for Creativity in Nigeria. This indicates that Nigeria’s creative sector is expanding and that Nigerian artists are competitive on the international scene. The French film Anatomy of a Fall, which was directed by Justine Triet, won the Palme d’Or, the festival’s highest honor.

In an interview, Elebe revealed that Vote True has not only won Best Voice-Over at the CWFF; it won the Grand Jury Award at the New York International Film Awards for Best Director and Best Actor at the Berlin Indie Film Festival. “The film has also been nominated as a finalist at the Boden International Film Festival in Sweden and the Lisbon Film Rendezvous in Lisbon, Portugal,” Elebe said.

Through Telefectiv, Elebe and Symmons are expanding on their tentpole film franchise with additional projects. The team “has been encouraged by Vote True’s success,” according to Elebe.

Elebe aspires to produce movies that contribute to the molding of Nigerian culture by narrating untold tales. His goal is to make movies that will get viewers ready for the next big thing—a universe of untapped potential.