London's BAFTA 195 Piccadilly Film Centre hosted the inaugural ESI Film Festival, organized by Esports Insider (ESI), in collaboration with non-profit ESG Gaming. The event received over 40 entries from global fashion brands, cybersports organizations, and students. The festival focused on themes of digital inequality, diversity, and mental health in the context of gaming and cybersports.
In third place was "Game Flow," a film about how gaming helps people with mood and anxiety disorders. In second place was "AFK: Change the Narrative," the story of a former professional gamer who faced physical and mental health issues. The winner of the ESI Film Festival has been announced and it was 'Emzy: It's for Everyone', a film about professional gamer Emma 'Emzy' Rose, who works in cybersports and faces challenges due to her transgender identity.
The £10,000 prize fund was split between the top three entries:£5,000 went to the first prize, £3,000 to the second prize, and £2,000 to the third prize.
All winners also received invitations to the Games Sessions BAFTA open day in April, where the nominees for the annual Games Awards will be recognized. All entries were reviewed by a judging and advisory panel including representatives from the Film Institute, Ubisoft Film & Television, and Manchester Filmfest
