Latest News
ESI Events Unveils ESI Film Festival 2024 Shortlist
- Best Film nominations: Wisper: Bolivia’s 1 in 12 Million, Heroes of Lofoten, Bad Moon Rising | Cyberpunk 2077
- Fanfilm, 24 Hour Making of a CHAMPION: An MLBB Esports Exclusive & Live Legendary: Launders
- Best Student Film nominations: Zara – My Game, Questopia & C++
ESI Events is thrilled to announce the official nominations and shortlist for the second edition of the annual ESI Film Festival, taking place as part of the ESI Lisbon 2024 event at the MEO Arena. This year’s festival celebrates the power of storytelling within the gaming and esports communities, highlighting the talent and creativity of filmmakers from around the globe.
The ESI Film Festival, launched in 2023 at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, returns in 2024 with an expanded event, offering filmmakers a platform to share gaming related stories that deserve to be told.
This year’s festival not only adds a second category but also continues to bridge the gap between the worlds of film, gaming, and esports. By showcasing films that delve into the positive impact of gaming can and does have, the ESI Film Festival reinforces the notion that video games and esports have the potential to make meaningful differences in people’s lives.
Best Film Nominees:
Wisper: Bolivia’s 1 in 12 Million
- Directed by Rich Bowen at OG Esports
- 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.
Heroes of Lofoten
- Directed by Johanna Cederstrøm at MistGames
- 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.
Bad Moon Rising | Cyberpunk 2077 Fanfilm
- Directed by Kira Cesnik
- 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.
Chuck & Fern
- Directed by Henry Alexander Kelly
- 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.
Live Legendary: Launders
- Directed by Chew Productions
- This documentary chronicles the journey of Launders, the beloved Counter-Strike caster. 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.
24 Hour Making of a CHAMPION: An MLBB Esports Exclusive
- Directed by MOONTON Games
- 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.
Best Student Film Nominees:
Zara – My Game
- Directed by Jack Carmell
- 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.
Questopia
- Directed by Shahzer Kashif
- Danny’s gaming obsession turns deadly as he fights for his life in a game he thought he had total control over.
C++
- Directed by Bashar Taha Abduljabbar
- 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.
Prize Pool & Categories
With a total prize pool of €6,000 courtesy of not-for-profit partner, ESG Gaming, the festival recognizes outstanding contributions across two categories—Best Film and Best Student Film. The breakdown of prizes is as follows:
- •Best Film
- 1st Place: €2,500 | 2nd Place: €1,500
- •Best Student Film
- 1st Place: €1,500 | 2nd Place: €500
Judging Panel
The nominees will be judged by a panel of industry experts, including:
- Hélène Juguet – Managing Director, Ubisoft Film & TV Paris
- Lee Willows – Founder & Executive Chair, ESG Gaming
- Stuart Burnside – Video Game Certification Manager – British Film Institute
- Karina Ziminaite – CEO – Z1MT Creative
- Alex Weber – Award-Winning Filmmaker
- Rui Pedro da Tendinha – Film Critic & Presenter
The post ESI Events Unveils ESI Film Festival 2024 Shortlist appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News
CHIPS confirmed as Clarion Gaming charity partner ahead of appearance at iGB Affiliate Awards
CHIPS, the gambling industry charity which provides bespoke powered wheelchairs to young people whom the National Health Service is unable to support, has been named Clarion Gaming charity partner.
Born out of the gambling industry the registered charity has presented more than 700 wheelchairs, in the process transforming the lives of recipient children and their families. CHIPS Chairs are designed and engineered to meet the specific physiological needs of each recipient and can cost up to £9,000.
Speaking ahead of the prestigious iGB Affiliate Awards, where she will outline the work of CHIPS, co-founder and Trustee Linda Lindsay said: “I am absolutely delighted to be partnering with the team at Clarion Gaming as we work to generate more funds to help children who have been denied the twin gifts of freedom and independence.
“Having worked with so many families I have seen at first hand the stress placed on them when they are informed that their child doesn’t meet the criteria to receive an National Health Service funded powered wheelchair. I’ve met children who can walk three metres which means that they don’t qualify, despite the fact that after four metres they are struggling to stand and even breathe.
“Many of the families CHIPS has helped over the years would not have been able to continue their children’s education with just a heavy pushchair supplied by the NHS but they’ve flourished and regained their independence and dignity with the powered chair that we have been able to provide thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
“I have attended virtually all of the 700+ presentations that we have made and every single one has had a transformative effect. On behalf of my Trustees, all of whom work for free meaning that every penny raised helps fund the purchase of the wheelchairs, I would like to say how excited we are to be working with the iGaming industry and in the process helping more youngsters to get mobile.”
The iGB Affiliate Awards which celebrate the achievements and innovations of the iGaming affiliate community are taking place Thursday 3 July at the Troxy the Grade II-listed Art Deco music venue on Commercial Road in Stepney, London.
The post CHIPS confirmed as Clarion Gaming charity partner ahead of appearance at iGB Affiliate Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Allwyn and Formula 1® celebrate power of community by launching F1® Allwyn Global Community Award
- Brand-new F1® Allwyn Global Community Award will recognise and spotlight community-focused initiatives from across the world of Formula 1, with first winner to be presented at the Formula 1® Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2025.
- Allwyn to donate €100,000 to each winning initiative at four races this season.
Allwyn, the multi-national lottery-led entertainment company, and Formula 1 have today announced the launch of the F1® Allwyn Global Community Award. For the first time ever, community-focused initiatives across the world of Formula 1 will be spotlighted and celebrated on a global stage to showcase their positive impact on society. As well as global recognition, winning initiatives will each receive a €100,000 donation from Allwyn to further transform communities around the world.
Winners must demonstrate a meaningful contribution to society away from the racetrack, which could include advancements in education, culture, wellbeing or sustainability. For each race, the local promoter will identify Formula 1-linked community initiatives such as those run by teams, partners and media, which have had an impact in their country. A panel of three judges from Allwyn, Formula 1 and a local representative will agree the winner, who, in addition to the donation, will receive a trophy and a chance to visit a Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The creation of the F1® Allwyn Global Community Award is part of the multi-year partnership between Formula 1 and Allwyn, reflecting a shared commitment to driving positive change and giving back to the communities in which they operate. The first recipient will be presented with the F1® Allwyn Global Community Award ahead of the Formula 1® Heineken Dutch Grand Prix on 31 August. Three additional winners will be chosen later this season, recognising local initiatives at the home of Formula 1 races in the US (Austin and Las Vegas) and Mexico.
Allwyn’s ambition is to extend the Award to cover more races in the 2026 season and further celebrate projects which make a meaningful difference.
Robert Chvátal, Group CEO of Allwyn said: “Championing positive community impact is at the heart of what we do at Allwyn. Our partnership with Formula 1 is the perfect chance to demonstrate our commitment to communities through the creation of this inspiring F1® Allwyn Global Community Award, supporting the very best community initiatives around the world and bringing them to a huge global audience.”
Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1 said: “It is a pillar of our sport to leave a positive legacy where we race and for many years, we’ve worked with the promoters and regional organisations to do just that, from inviting children from local schools to the track to encourage them to consider a role in motorsport, through to funding education initiatives and welcoming local community outlets and charities to be part of the event. Every year 24 incredible venues open their doors to host us, and we are met with fantastic passion and love at the track and throughout the entire city, so I am very proud to launch the F1® Allwyn Global Community Award as part of our mission. We will give the local initiatives that go the extra mile for making their communities and make the world a better place the recognition and global platform they deserve.”
The F1® Allwyn Global Community Award will be presented at the following Grands Prix in 2025:
- Formula 1® Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2025 – 29 – 31 August 2025
- Formula 1® MSC Cruises USA Grand Prix 2025 – 17- 19 October 2025
- Formula 1® Gran Premio De La Cuidad De Mexico 2025 – 24 – 26 October 2025
- Formula 1® Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025 – 20 – 22 November 2025
The post Allwyn and Formula 1® celebrate power of community by launching F1® Allwyn Global Community Award appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
HIPTHER Launches FREQ404: Tune in for a Sonic Journey of Balance by Sound and Error by Design
HIPTHER, the renowned online media and event organiser for Gaming and Tech, is turning up the volume – quite literally – with a powerful new initiative that brings music, identity, and community together. Meet FREQ404: an electrifying monthly music mix curated by HIPTHER’s very own Co-Founder, Zoltan Tuendik, under the HPT.R profile.
From the stage to the strategy room, the creative spark of Zoltan and his wife, Betty Tűndik Kiszner Szilágyi, Co-Founders of HIPTHER, has always been a driving force behind the brand. But long before the conferences and curated content, Zoltan was better known to many as DJ Hawkie – a curator of soundwaves and moods. With performances at iconic venues like Ministry of Sound London (during iGB 2014), his passion for electronic music has always been loud and clear.
Now, with FREQ404, he returns to his roots, remixing electronic music and innovation in true HIPTHER fashion.
“My first sessions were live back in 2005–2006, and I recorded my first mix in 2008. Over the years, I’ve dropped the occasional annual mix, but something always pulled me back to the decks. With FREQ404, that pull is now a purpose. To reconnect with the roots, the rhythm, and the community. This time, it’s monthly. This time, it’s staying.” — Zoltan Tuendik a.k.a. HPT.R
The #hipthers are known for their passion for life, wellness, and connection – fostering innovation, sustainability, and movement. Now, they celebrate these pillars with their community and the world through a shared musical experience.
“Error by Design. Balance by Sound.”
HPT.R broadcasts FREQ404 from the glitch in the system, delivering monthly sonic transmissions that blend progressive, techno, vocal house, and deep electronic cuts. Each mix is a journey – hypnotic, immersive, and impossible to ignore.
This isn’t just background music. It’s a frequency for those who feel the pulse of innovation and want to ride its beat.
Why FREQ404?
Because sometimes, the best signals come from the errors in the system. And because music is a companion and inspiration throughout our everyday lives.
From the edge of the digital frontier, HPT.R is setting the tone for a new kind of HIPTHER vibe – one that unites tech, culture, and energy across borders.
🔗 Follow and listen now on Mixcloud and Spotify.
📡 New mix every month. Stay tuned – this is only the beginning.
The post HIPTHER Launches FREQ404: Tune in for a Sonic Journey of Balance by Sound and Error by Design appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Latest News3 months ago
SARA TENDULKAR JOINS JETSYNTHESYS’ GLOBAL E-CRICKET PREMIER LEAGUE AS MUMBAI FRANCHISE OWNER FOR SEASON 2
-
Latest News3 months ago
Exclusive Q&A With Bar Konson, Chief Business Development Officer at NuxGame
-
Latest News2 months ago
Week 17/2025 slot games releases
-
Latest News2 months ago
Fortuna Partners with 2025 UEFA Under-21 EURO
-
Latest News2 months ago
Esports World Cup Foundation Confirms Full Game Lineup, Schedule, and Club Championship Rules for EWC 2025
-
Latest News2 months ago
ELA Games Receives Key Nomination at EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards
-
Latest News3 months ago
DreamPlay consolidates its status as a global player in the iGaming industry and opens an office and campus in Cyprus
-
Latest News2 months ago
ACR POKER’S NEXT HIGH STAKES ADVENTURE TAKES PLAYERS TO MONTENEGRO FOR PRESTIGIOUS SUPER HIGH ROLLER SERIES
You must be logged in to post a comment Login