Winners for the second edition of the SDGs Film Challenge will emerge on Saturday, December, 21, 2024 at an extraordinary gathering to celebrate creativity, innovation, and youth leadership in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to be held at Silverbird Cinema, Central Area, Abuja.
The event will be the culmination of a year-long effort by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs), the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) and FreshNEWS Multimedia engagement of young filmmakers global drive to create awareness for sustainable development.
The SDGs Short Film Challenge is an innovative platform designed to empower young filmmakers to spotlight developmental issues through the lens of sustainability. Participants are tasked with creating short films of no more than 15 minutes, showcasing the challenges and opportunities related to achieving the SDGs.
From tackling gender inequality to addressing climate change, these films are more than artistic expressions; they are calls to action. Through powerful storytelling, the Challenge invites filmmakers to engage audiences, provoke critical conversations, and inspire tangible action.
The inaugural edition of the Challenge, held in August 2023, garnered 73 entries from across Nigeria and culminated in a grand showcase on International Youth Day.
The success of that first edition laid a strong foundation for the 2024 edition, which has achieved unprecedented growth, attracting 2,250 submissions from 119 countries.
“This remarkable increase underscores the global relevance and appeal of this Nigerian-led initiative. A panel of esteemed jurors, drawn from the worlds of film, sustainable development, and global advocacy was empanelled to evaluate the entries to determine the top three finalists,” the organisers said in a statement on Thursday.
According to the statement, the Grand Finale will be a vibrant celebration of youth creativity and the power of storytelling. “The event promises an immersive experience, featuring Advocacy for the goals, networking, trailers, posters, and live screenings of selected films. The atmosphere will be electrified by the presence of distinguished guests, including government officials, stakeholders, filmmakers, and youth advocates.
“The winner will not only gain national and international recognition but will also receive life-changing opportunities.
The evening will also highlight the broader significance of youth-driven initiatives in advancing the SDGs. The event will feature keynote speeches and interactive sessions designed to inspire young people to take ownership of sustainable development in their communities.
