Chinalurumogu Eze won the 2023 Future Creative Leaders Academy (FCLA) prize for the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy (RHSA) and will represent Nigeria at the Cannes Lion Festival in France by June 2023. Each year, Cannes Lions brings together people who believe in the power of creativity from across the globe, for a week of celebrating, exploring, learning and networking. The 300-level student of mass communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, speaks with Edugist on her creative approach and expectations from her trip to France. Excerpts:
Can you tell us about yourself and your background in the creative field?
My name is Chinalurumogu Success Eze. I’m from Anambra State but I live in Enugu. I’m a mass communication student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I have been a storyteller for as long as I can remember. I’m currently Youths Digest Calous Journalist of the year 2022. I won third place at the Inside Nollywood Film Journalism Fellowship. These feats are as a result of my ability to employ my storytelling skill.
How did you first get involved with the Future Creative Leaders Academy, and what inspired you to apply?
I got involved with the Future Creative Leaders Academy prize for Roger Hatchuel Student Academy in Cannes Lion, France because my department selected me as a representative, alongside two others. In the academy, the first task was to make a creative video. The best video would go on to win a spot in the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy. My video emerged the best as critiqued by the Cannes Lion jury and here I am. So, I didn’t apply. My department selected me as a representative.
What was your reaction when you found out you had won the FCLA prize?
For clarity, the FCLA prize on its own is a different thing. But the FCLA prize for Roger Hatchuel Student Academy (RHSA) is the one I won and the feeling that came from winning is the same for every other person that wins something. It’s huge. It’s not everyday one gets to represent Nigeria.
What are you most looking forward to about representing Nigeria at the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy in Cannes?
I’m looking forward to networking mostly. About 37 students from 22 countries will be in the RHSA. I’m looking forward to meeting colleagues, understanding cultures, creating content and learning from top industry players. The Cannes Lion Festival itself is another action packed event. So, I’m looking forward to meeting a lot of people in the creative industry.
How do you plan to prepare for the RHSA experience, both creatively and logistically?
Logistically, the trip is sponsored by CHINI AFRICA. Creatively, I’m doing all the necessary research from my end bearing in mind that I will be equipped for a career in creative communication.
Can you share any details about the project that earned you the FCLA Prize and how you came up with the idea?
The project was to make a two-minute creative video about who you are, why you are creative and why you deserve a spot at the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy. I like to associate myself with excellence. If it’s not excellent, then I’m not doing it. I could easily place my phone and just make that video. But I searched for the very best in videography and video editing. Wrote the script, found a nice location for the shoot and applied my storytelling and voice over skills to produce an excellent work.
How do you see yourself using the skills and knowledge you gain from the RHSA experience in your future creative work?
No knowledge is a waste. Who knows? I could be working with an advertising firm in the future.
What advice would you give to other aspiring young creatives who want to follow in your footsteps?
Focus on self development, submit to training, pursue opportunities as they come, show people what you can do and be intentional about growth so they can see how good you are.
What are your long-term career goals and aspirations in the creative industry?
I basically want to be a force to reckon with in Nigeria’s film and entertainment industry as relates to journalism and creativity.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
