The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the United Nations, has officially launched the third edition of the SDGs Short Film Challenge and Awards.
The initiative, unveiled at the UN House in Abuja on Wednesday, aimed to empower young Nigerian filmmakers to use storytelling as a tool for advocacy and sustainable development.
Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, emphasised the power of film in driving social transformation. She noted that this year’s edition will feature enhanced training programmes, industry collaborations, and a three-day SDGs Film Festival to showcase the most impactful entries.
She highlighted that Nigeria’s movie industry Nollywood is a critical economic platform that could be exploited by young Nigerians to create jobs and develop their standards of living.
Commending the roles of Nollywood icons to the film challenge project since its inception, Orelope-Adefulire highlighted that some of them have been made ambassadors with crucial contributions and impact to the move.
The Presidential Aide also expressed dismay towards the rising spate of ritual killing, violence and ills being promoted via recent movies, emphasising that there were “so many problems ravaging our world and mitigating our development as a country, let us use film to change our world.”
She added, “Let us impact our out of school children and give them give before they give us work in the future. Make them know that there is no other tool to eradicate poverty in the future apart from education and hard work.”
Also speaking, the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, highlighted the significance of the challenge, stating, “This is more than an event. It’s a call to action, a celebration of creativity, and a rallying cry for sustainable development.” He underscored the role of Nollywood as a global storytelling powerhouse and urged young filmmakers to use their craft to spotlight issues such as climate change, gender inequality, and poverty.
With participation growing exponentially from 73 entries in 2023 to 2,250 submissions from 119 countries last year, the challenge continues to gain global recognition.
The 2025 edition will provide young creatives with mentorship, training, and exposure, further solidifying film as a catalyst for national development.
The UNFPA Deputy Representative, Francis Kuawu Koessan, encouraged young filmmakers to seize this opportunity, stating, “Nigeria needs your support. Don’t hold back. Just do it!”.
With Submissions now open online, candidates are to upload a 15-minute video showcasing their best creative prowess and ideas while addressing SDGs. Candidates were also advised to start submission immediately.
Winners will be announced at the grand finale scheduled to take place from August 21 to 23. 2025.
