Hope is Lost wins award at Premiers Plans

I’m so proud to share that my stop-motion short film Hope Is Lost won the audience award at Premiere Plans 2026! I’m still pinching myself, this is my first award as a director and animator.

As a self-taught stop-motion animator, the journey has been defined by trial, error, and countless hours of meticulous work. To see this dedication recognised on such a public stage feels like a massive validation.

Honestly, any recognition is an honour, but winning an award voted on by the audience is incredibly special. I don’t make films for them to sit on a shelf; I make them to connect with people.

To know that the story resonated with the viewers, that it moved them enough to cast a vote is the highest compliment I could ever receive.

While stop-motion can often feel like a solitary craft, this film wouldn’t be what it is without the incredible team behind me. This award belongs to all of us. Every frame, every set piece, and every tiny movement was worth it to see the reaction we received this weekend.

Thank you to the Premiere Plans festival for an unforgettable experience, and most importantly, thank you to everyone who watched and voted.

CAST

Hope: Rakie Ayola

Ola: Gary Carr

Itoro: Rejoice Akani

Samuel: Hannah Tobin

Uduak: Patience Tobin

Home Office Caseworker: Charity Muiriri

Airport Immigration Officer : Matt Rose

CREW

Writer/Director/Animator: Eno Enefiok

Producers: Pauline Blanchet, Mikel Iriarte,
Adam Gregory Smith

Co-Producer: Avdi Thachi

Production Manager: Jade Way

Cinematographer: Jerry Amadi-Pradon,
Eno Enefiok

Editor: Eno Enefiok

Trailer Editor: Laura Johnson

Visual Effects: JFX

Sound: The Farm Post

Colour Grade: Residence Pictures