Daniel Izu beats 2,249 others to win SDGs Short Film Challenge
A Nigerian, Eze Izu Daniel, on Saturday night emerged winner of the 2024 SDGs Short Film Challenge and Awards, which took place inside one of the glitzy cinema halls of the Silverbird Cinema, Central Area, Abuja.
The young filmmaker’s entry, ‘Wasted’, triumphed over 2,249 other entries from across 119 countries, including Europe, America, and Asia, to clinch the top position.
In her keynote address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, OSSAP-SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, described the event as significant in harnessing the power of the creative industry to, through young minds, evolve a platform for showcasing diverse development issues and provoking action to address them.
“This is why today’s event is so significant. By harnessing the power of film and the creativity of our youth, the SDGs Short Film Challenge has provided a unique platform for amplifying voices, showcasing diverse perspectives, and inspiring action. Film transcends boundaries, touches hearts, and ignites conversations. Through this medium, we can shine a light on pressing issues, highlight innovative solutions, and catalyze collective action,” she said.
The Presidential aide on SDGs, who was elated by the huge number of entries from across the world, expressed delight that the 2024 edition surpassed all expectations—a factor that indicates how quickly the development fire is burning among young people.
The film, which focuses on the effects of drugs on young people, features a promising young character who, in the quest to find the right antidote for stage fright, resorted to drugs. He gradually progressed from mild indulgence to complete addiction, which left him completely dependent. He lost not just his purpose in life but also his sanity. Essentially, it addresses Goal 3 of the SDGs, which focuses on health.
“I feel like the hard work is paying off gradually,” Eze told newsmen while reacting to his victory.
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Other winners include ‘Road Trip’ by Victor Eyike/Accelerate TV, 1st runner-up, and ‘Oke Okuta by Oke Tolulope.
From the international category, ‘British Passport’ by Mahmood Pouyandah from Iran won Best International Film, while the Best Documentary went to ‘Imperishable’ by Akansha Tiwari from India.
‘Carbon Traces’ by Stafie Gan from the USA won the award for Best Animation, while ‘Alone’ by Stephen Shenboyejo took the podium position for Viewers’ Choice.
The choice of ‘Wasted’ as the Challenge grand prize winner was well received by both online viewers and the packed audience at the event venue, which included some of the most credible individuals and groups, both local and international.
They included Elsie Attafuah, UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator a.i., who described the event as a celebration of talent, innovation, and vision.
Other prominent individuals who graced the eye-catching event were Hon. Usman Bashir Zubairu, a Member of the House of Representatives, Gwari Giwa Federal Constituency, who stood in for the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.
Hamza Baba, Imran Garba Duba (SA to the President on Innovation), and Mrs. Winifred Shokpeka, FCT Coordinator, NYSC, stood in for the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa; and the NYSC Director General, Brig-Gen. Y.D. Ahmed, respectively.
Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/CEO of the Nigeria Film and Video Censors Board, was represented by Ms. Deborah Malgwi.
As an innovative platform, the SDGs Short Film Challenge is designed to empower young filmmakers to spotlight developmental issues through the lens of sustainability, with emphasis on the importance of creating short films of no more than 15 minutes, showcasing the challenges and opportunities related to achieving the SDGs.
The films, themed on development issues such as gender inequality and climate change, were requested to be more than mere artistic expressions, but calls to action through powerful storytelling that invites creative filmmakers to engage audiences, provoke critical conversations, and inspire tangible action.
In addition, the event is a deliberate attempt by the organizers to highlight the broader significance of youth-driven initiatives in advancing the SDGs, spiced up with keynote speeches and interactive sessions designed to inspire young people to take ownership of sustainable development in their communities.
However, unlike the inaugural challenge, which garnered 73 entries from across Nigeria, culminating in a grand showcase on International Youth Day, the 2024 edition attracted 2,250 entries from 119 countries worldwide.
The maiden edition of the SDGs Short Film Challenge, launched as a pilot on International Youth Day in 2023, received an encouraging 73 entries. This second edition surpassed all expectations, receiving 2,250 entries from 119 countries—a remarkable testament to the power of this platform to resonate globally.
Elsie Attafuah, the UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator a.i., in her remarks, stated that the SDGs Short Film Challenge is a veritable tool for advocating for the SDGs.
“As much as there are challenges, opportunities also abound in Nigeria. Young people play a central role in using digital technologies and creative industries to address socio-economic challenges. The fourth chapter of the Pact For The Future, adopted by all member states of the UN, including Nigeria, is on ‘Youth and Future Generations’.
“Therefore, this SDGs Short Film Challenge is far more than a film show: It is a vital step towards realizing the full potential of young people in Nigeria, leveraging the powerful platform of the movie and entertainment industry.
“It is an innovative initiative designed to empower young filmmakers to spotlight developmental issues through the lens of sustainability, leveraging the storytelling power of film to amplify youth voices, foster creativity, and inspire collective action to tackle gender inequality and address climate change. These films are more than artistic expressions; they are calls to action toward achieving the global goals.
“This event marks the culmination of a year-long effort by the OSSAP-SDGs, UN Information Centre (UNIC) in the Resident Coordinator’s Office, and Fresh NEWS to engage young filmmakers as key players in the global drive for sustainable development,” she stated.
The grand finale was the climax of a year-long effort by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs), the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), and FreshNEWS Multimedia to engage creative young filmmakers in a global drive to create awareness for Sustainable Development Goals.
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