United Nation’s International Organisation for Migration, (IOM), has said that the art of storytelling in short films is a major means of creating awareness on the dangers of human trafficking in Nigeria.
IOM Chief of Mission, Laurent De Boeck, said that in the face of daunting challenge of human trafficking, hope and inspiration can be found in the power of art and storytelling for effective public enlightenment
He made this known at the IOM Nigeria 2023 prestigious Short Film Contest on Combating Human Trafficking, yesterday in Abuja.
De Boek notes that “Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that affects millions of lives around the world, and Nigeria is unfortunately no exception.
“But in the face of this daunting challenge, we find hope and inspiration in the power of art and storytelling.
“Today, as we celebrate the filmmakers who have used their creativity and vision to shed light on this issue, provoke thought, and ignite conversations that can drive real change, we must remind ourselves of the need to amplify our efforts in raising awareness about the ever-evolving tactics employed by human traffickers.
According to him, the IOM is celebrating the filmmakers who have used their creativity and vision to shed light on this issue, provoke thought, and ignite conversations that can drive real change.
“We must remind ourselves of the need to amplify our efforts in raising awareness about the ever-evolving tactics employed by human traffickers. These criminals target vulnerable groups, including migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced persons, and survivors of gender-based violence.
He adds, “According to the 2022 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, the global criminal justice response to trafficking has slowed down.
“Detection rates of victims of trafficking fell by 11% in 2020, and convictions plummeted by 27%. These figures reflect a concerning trend that demands our immediate attention and concerted action.”
Country Representative, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, (UNODC), Oliver Stolpe, explained th films are powerful tool for the creation of awareness on human trafficking and has the capacity to spur the public to take action against the scourge.
Four winners emerged among participating contestants with the first position awarded to the short film title ‘Zanifa’, produced by Miss Letitia Ijeoma Osita-Obasi, popularly known as Lio Phantom, a filmmaker seasoned in the art and act of storytelling.
The second prize went to Adeola Andrea Peregrino’s short film titled ‘Poached’ while the third prize winner went to the film, ‘Halima’, by Kong’s Shamaki.
On the popular vote category, the award was given to the short film ‘Net of Shadows’ by Efunshile Akinwumi, a cinematographer known for his exceptional ability to transform emotions into visual poetry.
The sums of $3, 000, (2, 295, 00, $2, 000, (1, 530, 00, $1, 000, (765,000) and $2, 000 were given the awardees respectively.
